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 Support.

We are dedicated to revitalizing homes using sustainable materials and practices, minimizing waste, and providing tools and resources for community resilience.

We support military veterans in finding new purpose through service and leadership, recognizing the mental health benefits of volunteering.

Our efforts address displacement by expanding affordable, resilient housing, and we prioritize emergency response and preparedness to ensure community safety and self-sufficiency.

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.

Scope of work

In response to Hurricane Fiona in September 2022, we provided critical emergency relief by distributing food, water, inverters, solar lanterns, and essential supplies to communities from Isabela to Ponce and Vieques. Additionally, we collaborated with the municipality of Isabela to tarp and repair 10 damaged roofs, helping families recover more quickly.

Our community resilience efforts extend into mental health and youth development through our art and music therapy programs. Initiated in response to community feedback after Fiona, we have served over 300 students across 11 youth groups, including the Boys and Girls Club of Isabela, the Special Education School in Manatí, and several local schools. These programs foster creativity, healing, and self-expression among our youth.

We are proud to have secured use of the former Luis Muñoz Rivera Intermediate School in Isabela, now designated as our Emergency Relief Center and operational headquarters — a vital hub for ongoing aid efforts and community support.

Our impact also includes hosting Voluntourism groups at our volunteer home in Aguadilla, in partnership with Si the World and United Planet, enabling international volunteers to engage directly in our projects and foster global solidarity.

uPCOMING initiatives

We have been granted 15 acres of land by the Municipality of Isabela to advance our innovative work exploring industrial hemp as a sustainable building material. This project aims to promote local agriculture, foster workforce development, and develop eco-friendly construction solutions.

Additionally, we are undertaking a transformative project in Parque Martín Seguí, Isabela, where we will rehabilitate and develop a new sports center for the community. This facility will serve as a vital space for recreation, youth engagement, and emergency relief during natural disasters, strengthening community resilience and well-being.

past collaborations

A non-profit focussed on providing potable water. Our collaborative efforts are working towards providing a water catchment and filtration system at our school in Isabela.
a non-profit focused on rebuilding roofs. We have provided support and worked together to rebuild a roof and floor of a home in Añasco.
Collaboration after Hurricane Fiona to service the community.
Collaboration after Hurricane Fiona to service the community and provide mattresses and beds to flooded residents of Añasco.