Puerto Rico Beautification Program: From Distress to Family Friendly
- After Hurricanes Maria and Irma, many damaged homes have been abandoned and their owners have left the island
- Abandoned homes are owned by banks or absent homeowners
- Vacants are not cared for making the neighborhood unattractive and unsafe
- Abandoned homes leave behind trash and rodent problems
- Distressed properties encourage trespassing for illegal activity
- Drug dealers create drug dens bringing traffic, drug paraphernalia, and danger to the neighborhood
- Families, especially families with children, are exposed to and living among unsafe properties that are also eyesores
The goals of Pay It Forward’s Puerto Rico Beautification program are:
- To reduce the number of crumbling abandoned homes in occupied neighborhoods
- Engage with the neighbors to communicate the Pay It Forward program
- Build excitement for the demolition and encourage participation and/or observation by the residents of the area
- Throw an after-demolition community gathering
- Deter illegal activity and trespassing
- Remove the unsafe building and create a community space for the neighborhood
- Create a happier and more family-friendly place to live
Pay It Forward looks to raise $50,000 per home beautification. Your poster purchase will help fund the Puerto Rico Beautification Program.
The Pay It Forward program:
Trace the lien or mortgage holder of the property or properties
- Purchase an abandoned house or block
- Engage with neighbors to communicate the program to provide hope for a better living experience in their neighborhood
- Demolish the home and sell the concrete for reuse or crush it for hardscape purposes
- Clean the property of trash and debris
- Create alternate use of the property, possibilities include:
- Fenced in with local artists creating vibrant wall art on the fence
- Installing a playground
- Creating a community garden
- Creating a small community park
- Either continue to own and maintain the property or sell the lot for rebuilding