Help Our Family in Acapulco!

On October 25, 2023, Hurricane Otis, a category 5 storm, landed in Acapulco, Guerrero, causing massive flooding, widespread destruction, and disrupted communication. It was reported as the strongest hurricane on record to land on the Pacific side of Mexico and the 5th highest storm globally. What happened in Acapulco was catastrophic, 205 mph wind gust was reported. The people didn’t have experience preparing for this historical natural phenomenon coming to their doorsteps. There wasn’t a footprint to follow, and people were fearful and hopeful that their homes would keep them safe; however, hours later, they were powerless, living through a nightmare of destruction.

Having family members in Acapulco and hearing their last prayers on a phone call, just before the eye of the storm hit, was heartbreaking. We felt desperate to hear back from them to know if they were okay. Days passed after Hurricane Otis had hit Acapulco before we heard from my grandmother and the rest of our family members. We finally heard from one of our cousins, who was using the last bit of the phone battery. He searched for a signal for days to tell us they were all alive. We were grateful to hear everyone survived the hurricane. However, many people around the neighbourhood from the county of Santa Cruz lost their homes- including my grandmother, who's house has been in my family for 3 generations. Furthermore, everyone is struggling to obtain food for their families. They’ve been desperately waiting for days for food and water to arrive in their town as they clean up their streets from hurricane debris and destruction.

This GoFundMe won’t only help restore my grandmother’s house but also provide support to the surrounding community. Our family members and their community are struggling to survive each day. Families are living day by day in the dark, waiting for electricity to be restored in their neighborhood. After days of survivors looting, with very little food left, the prices for basic goods have skyrocketed everywhere around them. They are making it hard for everyone to buy food to eat every day, not to mention restoring their home.

My cousin, Jorge Moreno, has volunteered to work with the church priest in Santa Cruz to distribute any help received for the town. As we send money to them, they will be able to buy water and food and restore temporary homes with sheet roofs.

We are so appreciative of your gift. We thank you for your donation on behalf of La Colonia Santa Cruz and my family members. We are all grateful for your contribution and are committed to partnering with the local leaders and families to provide direct aid.

Thank you,

La Familia Vargas

Portland, OR