Help Martín Rebuild Destroyed Family Home

My name is Olivia Bolling and I am writing on behalf of my dear friend and coworker, Martín Santiago, whose family home in Izazaga, Acapulco was severely damaged by Hurricane Otis on October 25th. I work with Martín at the community-focused Haystack Farm in Sonoma, California, and have had the pleasure of getting to know this amazing young man through long and fulfilling days on the farm. Martín has been in the United States for a little over a year and is one of the hardest working people I have ever met.

For those who may yet still be unaware, Hurricane Otis hit the coast of Acapulco, Mexico as a category 5 Hurricane with 165-mile-per-hour winds, after being categorized as only a tropical storm 12 hours earlier. Forecasters were caught completely by surprise, and so was Martin’s family. Climate Change is altering the ways in which hurricanes form and the time in which they build momentum and speed, a new reality making it hard, if not impossible, to adequately prepare early warning.

I grew up in Sonoma and I know that the internationally-known vineyards and farms that stretch across our beautiful valley, and the robust economy they support, could not exist without the vast network of hard working farmers and field hands who have immigrated here from Latin America. If you have participated in any facet of Sonoma Valley agriculture, chances are you have worked alongside or with someone whose business, company, or even livelihood has been supported by or depends upon the hard-working migrant farm workers of this Valley.`

Martín is a vital part of that community. He is curious and deeply passionate about flowers and farming and tending to the land. He works harder and faster than most people you'll ever meet and he is profoundly kind. When he is not working on the farm he attends evening English classes twice a week at the local La Luz Center. Martín seizes each opportunity he is given, while generously helping his family back home in Acapulco, Mexico.

That home, the home he grew up in, was destroyed during this record-breaking hurricane. Martin’s mother, father and two brothers still live there, although the house no longer has a roof and all the contents – all the family’s belongings ­– were largely destroyed by water damage. And that includes the appliances used for cooking. Martín's whole family is currently sleeping on the floor of his Aunt's home, which was fortunately spared.

Conditions in Acapulco remain dire. Last week Martin’s family spent 8 hours traveling to Mexico City to get food and drinking water. Aid is trickling in, but it is not sufficient. His family needs our help. Any amount, no matter how small, makes a difference here. Contributions will help Martín’s family put a roof back over their heads so that they can return home and begin the long process of rebuilding their lives.