What We Do

About Mi Patria

Working to empower our community

As founders of Mi Patria, born in New York and both having served in the United States Army, we realized, each individually, the desire to continue helping our people outside of the military. Shortly after returning to civilian life we repatriated to Puerto Rico, with the intention of contributing towards the betterment of our family and community members. We collaborated with various nonprofit organizations from continental United States and Puerto Rico, and were able to accomplish a great amount together, which spurred the idea of doing more in unison through Mi Patria.

Together, we worked hard within our communities, and noticed a need on the island to help maintain security of the land, properly utilize it, how to access resources available, and assist our people in overcoming the other barriers they face when attempting to secure land or affordable housing. Our firsthand experiences working to better our communities helped shape Mi Patria. We knew we had the ability to make a greater impact and address the issues we faced by being proactive in the resilient & sustainable community movement.

Puerto Rico contains a high percentage of United States Military Veterans per capita. We know Veterans to be highly trained and experienced leaders with a strong work ethic, and we also understand volunteering has mental health benefits. It’s important for us to unite with our brothers and sisters from the military to help them realize their potential by using their unique skill sets to further serve Puerto Rican communities.

Our Mission

Mi Patria aims to improve the quality of life of underserved Puerto Rican communities by addressing displacement by focusing on housing & sustainability, Emergency Response & Preparedness, and Veterans & Mental Health.

Through our efforts, military veterans will strengthen their communities and lead positive change. Many veterans are excellent leaders that desire to continue serving their community after their military service. It is proven volunteering has mental health benefits, which assists military veterans to identify a new purpose, and their continued service will forge new paths in their civilian life transition.

We take action on the displacement of low to middle income Puerto Rican communities by protecting and expanding affordable sustainable housing to create resilient self-sufficient communities, prepared to sustain emergencies.

In times of emergency and disaster, Mi Patria shifts primary focus to disaster response and relief efforts.

Our Vision

A new archetype in addressing housing insecurity and a sustainable lifestyle in Puerto Rico by harnessing the skills of our community and military veterans.

Our focus

Housing & Sustainability

We work to halt the displacement of Puerto Ricans and their communities by rehabilitating unused or abandoned properties and creating resilient & sustainable communities. We would make best use of solar energy, rainwater collection, build composting boxes, create vegetable & fruit gardens, and assist in the implementation of a recycling program. These rehabilitated properties will serve the community or will be made available to the community as affordable housing.

Emergency Response

In times of emergency and disaster, we combine the skills and experience of military veterans with our local network of volunteers to provide rapid relief to affected communities. By working alongside local agencies and community organizations on the ground, we are able to respond quickly and efficiently to help the most vulnerable.

Veterans

Many Veterans are experienced leaders with a strong work ethic, a know-how to use limited resources, understand the value of teamwork and have a desire to serve. Studies have shown a correlation between volunteering and improved mental health. Veterans help realize our mission by using their unique set of skills to continue to serve their communities.