Disaster Relief
Puerto Rico Earthquake Relief: Restoring Education and Shelter
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About the Project
In the wake of devastating earthquakes across Puerto Rico, Thomas J. Henry launched a direct humanitarian response focused on one urgent goal — helping children return to school. By providing large-capacity tents as temporary classrooms, the initiative ensured that education could continue even as communities began to rebuild.
200
Disaster Relief Tents Delivered
Support for Thousands of Displaced Students
Emergency Aid Delivered to Southern Puerto Rico
Who We Helped
This initiative brought direct relief to some of the hardest-hit communities in Southern Puerto Rico, where schools, homes, and infrastructure were damaged or destroyed by powerful seismic activity.
- Displaced Students – Children across all grade levels who were unable to attend school due to destroyed or unsafe buildings.
- Local Teachers and Families – Educators and caregivers striving to maintain stability and learning during crisis conditions.
- Impacted Communities – Entire neighborhoods that were struggling with immediate recovery and long-term rebuilding efforts.
Our Goal
The mission of the Puerto Rico Earthquake Relief initiative was clear and urgent:
- To provide safe, functional temporary classrooms for students affected by the earthquakes.
- To restore a sense of normalcy and continuity for children and educators amid disaster.
- To act quickly and directly so that every dollar spent translated into real support for those in need.
Philanthropist and attorney Thomas J. Henry personally led the effort, leveraging his resources and logistics network to deliver tents to the communities that needed them most.
“It was my mission to not only bring a unique event tailored to this amazing city but to raise awareness and funds for the local nonprofits making a difference in the lives of so many every day”
Event Highlights
- The Response: A targeted humanitarian relief mission following the January 2020 Puerto Rico earthquakes.
- Supplies Delivered: 200 large-capacity tents, each tent capable of safely housing 20 to 30 students as classroom space.
- Purpose: Restore access to education, provide shelter and stability for displaced students.
- Deployment Area: Southern Puerto Rico, including the towns of Guánica, Guayanilla, and Yauco — the region most severely impacted by seismic activity.
- Execution: Rapid purchase, shipment, and coordination with local authorities and communities
Making a Difference
The Puerto Rico Earthquake Relief initiative delivered more than just emergency supplies:
- It allowed thousands of students to return to their studies, preserving academic progress during a time of trauma.
- It gave educators safe spaces to teach and connect with their students despite the loss of traditional facilities.
- It reinforced the power of immediate, focused philanthropy to create real and lasting impact in times of crisis.
This project reflects Thomas J. Henry’s commitment to acting swiftly, strategically, and compassionately wherever the need is greatest.
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