MEXICO – For Concepcion, one of many hurricane survivors in Mexico, life was going well enough before the storm. Her days were filled with preparing delicious meals and smoothies for weary travelers that found themselves in Acapulco, Mexico. By cooking for them, Concepcion was able to provide a steady enough income for herself.
When a Category 5 hurricane hit her city, it left behind a trail of devastation. Within a few furious hours, the hurricane became the costliest tropical cyclone to strike Mexico on record. With 48 lives lost and over 500,000 people without power after the storm’s carnage, Concepcion, like so many hurricane survivors in Mexico, suddenly found herself unemployed and in need of food. Faced with the stark transition from preparing meals every day to seeking sustenance for herself, Concepcion felt lost.
Helping Storm Survivors
That is until friends like YOU showed up in the lives of hurricane survivors in Mexico like Concepcion. Upon hearing that Operation Blessing was providing free food daily to those affected by the hurricane, Concepcion jumped at the opportunity to secure a good meal. Little did Concepcion know that she would not only get her need for food met, but also discover a whole new opportunity.
Upon hearing of Concepcion’s skill set, our team quickly hired her for a pivotal role in the disaster relief efforts. Concepcion began serving hundreds of meals to storm victims and relief workers each day, all while forging friendships. Thanks to your support, Concepcion was not only able to gain a work opportunity but also create a new community around her. But this was not the end of the story.
Hurricane Recovery in Mexico
As the city of Acapulco gradually began getting back on its feet, it was time for Operation Blessing to say goodbye to the community kitchen. It was also time to say goodbye to Concepcion, our newfound friend. However, rather than simply parting ways and leaving her to scrape together a living, they came up with a plan. With your aid, we provided Concepcion with some amazing gifts—a water tank, refrigerator, coffeemaker, microwave, blender, and other supplies to kickstart her own entrepreneurial venture selling smoothies and sandwiches from home!
Expressing her gratitude, Concepcion said, “I’ll miss the team dearly but will think of you every day while starting my own business. Thank you, Operation Blessing!” Your gift to Concepcion not only encouraged her to embark on her business but also gave the Acapulco community lasting support during the challenges that came with a devastating hurricane.
Thank you so much for making it possible for us to stay in places like Acapulco, Asheville, and Los Angeles long after disasters have passed to help more hardworking people like Concepcion begin to rebuild.
