Carmen, a longtime resident of the quiet community of Loiza, Puerto Rico, has experienced her share of hardships. In 1999, Carmen and her late husband purchased their home with a small loan from her mother-in-law. For years, the couple enjoyed their life in Loiza.

“Everything is very quiet all the time; you don’t see aggressiveness or problems, anything at all,” Carmen said. 

However, Hurricane Maria shattered that peace and devastated Puerto Rico in 2017. Like many on the island, Carmen’s home sustained heavy damage. Over time, her house became more vulnerable to the elements, particularly heavy rainfall and eventually, part of her ceiling collapsed. 

“We would have to sleep sometimes, the baby [granddaughter] and I, in the same bedroom in front of us, because the ceilings of the one in the middle had already come off,” said Carmen. “We would also struggle with the electricity,” 

Despite the challenges, Carmen was never alone. Her close-knit community of neighbors and family members rallied around her during the hardest times. They helped her prepare for the rainy seasons and assisted whenever flooding struck. But the problems didn’t end with the roof. Electrical issues in the home eventually caused a fire, and her house flooded again. 

Faced with an unsafe living environment, Carmen had to temporarily move out. 

During a town hall in Loiza, Carmen learned about USDA Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Repair Grant Assistance Program, a program designed to help rural residents like her.

Rural Development officials assessed her home and after reviewing the extent of the damage, Carmen’s health conditions, and a letter from her physician, they deemed the house was unsafe to live in. 

In April 2024, the contractors started and the repairs began, giving Carmen hope for a better future. 

By late June 2024, Carmen received the news she had been waiting for; her home was finally safe to live in again. 

“They told me: ‘Carmen, you can stay in the house now, there is no danger anymore,’” she recalled. 

However, due to her health, Carmen was unable to move back into her home immediately. She delayed her return until August 2024, when she could finally return to her newly renovated home. 

The repairs made possible through USDA Rural Development, addressed the flooding and electrical issues that had caused her so much stress and fear. 

Now, Carmen’s home is again a place of peace and safety. She no longer worries about the storms that once flooded her house or the electrical problems that led to a fire. 

“Not even a drop of water got in,” she said, when looking back to the most recent storms. 

For Carmen, the support from USDA Rural Development has been life-changing, restoring her home and sense of security. The repairs brought a renewed sense of hope, allowing her to continue living peacefully in the community she loves. 

“Thank God first and USDA Rural Development for their help. Now I get up in the morning and don't have to worry about slipping or falling. I don't worry about collecting buckets of water or wet towels from rainwater. I sleep better and know that I am safe in my house. I feel safe and calm in my house. I feel a peace and security that I didn't have before,” Carmen said.