In response to the wide scale death and destruction in Central America in the wake of the latest hurricanes, Eta and Iota, Alianza Americas,  Hispanic Federation, and Presente.org have joined forces to launch an urgent campaign to assist the affected communities in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. The collaborative Central American Hurricane Relief initiative has already successfully collected and dispersed funds to four local organizations providing aid on-the-ground.

The destruction caused by the storms in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Guatemala only further exacerbate existing challenges in countries where economic inequality has confined millions of people to extreme poverty.

“Among the most severely impacted populations are historically marginalized Black and Indigenous communities where poverty is disproportionately concentrated, so we are rushing resources to those areas,” said Oscar Chacón, executive director of Alianza Americas.

“We’ve visited affected areas, and the destruction is devastating. Entire communities are flooded, and while many were able to evacuate and save their own lives, they’ve lost everything. It saddens me to see people who returned to their homes after Hurricane Eta pummeled the area now having to face the aftermath of Hurricane Iota,” said Ismael Moreno, known as ‘Father Melo,’ director of Equipo de Reflexión, Investigación y Comunicación (ERIC-SJ), located in El Progreso, on Honduras’ northern coast.

The relief funds are being directed towards partner organizations in the region, including ERIC-SJ and Organización de Desarrollo Étnico Comunitario (ODECO) in Honduras; Colectivo Artesana in Guatemala; and Fundación San Lucas, on Nicaragua’s Atlantic Coast.

“Our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala are going through an incredibly difficult time and need our support now,” said Frankie Miranda, president of Hispanic Federation. “We’ve learned from previous relief operations, including our most recent efforts in Puerto Rico, that the most effective aid comes from organizations already on the ground that are charged with frontline response in real time. With our $100,000 contribution to Alianza Americas, we are proud to kick start this relief effort and ensure aid gets to communities that need it the most.”

Andrea Barrios, general coordinator of Colectivo Artesana, confirmed that resources are already reaching communities. “Colectivo Artesana is pleased to report that coordination has been swift, efficient, and executed with great solidarity, despite the very difficult conditions. We will continue to connect the resources from those who can help, with those who most need help in Guatemala,” Barrios stated.

Lima, Honduras, Totalmente deshabitada permanece el barrio San Jose de la lima por la alerta roja de evacuacion emitida por la llegada del huracan IOTA

“This is solidarity, not charity. Together with our partners, we are calling for urgent support for those affected by these storms, all while these same communities also endure the ravages of COVID-19. Real relief and systemic change is required to truly address the scale of these duel crises, and to ensure healthy communities and a thriving future for all,” said Matt Nelson, executive director of Presente.org.

Individuals and institutions interested in donating to this urgent disaster response effort can do so via the Central American Hurricane Relief fundraiser. One hundred percent of funds raised will go directly to provide relief aid to hurricane victims in the affected regions in Central America.