PUERTO RICO Alternative Break PROJECTS
From December 2022 to April 2023, thirty enthusiastic volunteer teams from various universities and colleges joined forces for the CCI Puerto Rico Project, amassing over 300 dedicated volunteers! While we’ve achieved much, there’s still more work ahead. We invite you to contribute by sending a volunteer team to our ongoing Puerto Rico project.
About Our Puerto Rico Projects
Housing and Resilience
- Repair homes
- Rebuild communities
- Improve resiliency
Why is this work important?
“Safe and comfortable housing is essential for the well-being of our older adults. With the challenges Puerto Rico has faced in recent years, many elderly individuals find themselves living in inadequate conditions. Supporting housing rehabilitation projects is an important way to ensure that our seniors can age with dignity and security in their own homes.” says Carmen S. Morales, Director of the Puerto Rico Office for the Elderly Affairs
“The ongoing out-migration of our youth has left a significant gap in our society, making the elderly more vulnerable and in greater need of assistance. Supporting older adults in Puerto Rico is crucial for their well-being and for maintaining the social fabric of our communities.” says Margarita Irizarry, Executive Director of La Asociación Puertorriqueña de Personas Mayores
Youth and Environment
- Plant trees, care for growing trees, and work in tree nurseries to support the recovery of the forests
- Complete conservation and preservation projects in El Yunque National Forest.
- Assist with local agriculture to help lower the amount of food imported
- Work with young people at the Boys and Girls Club
Why is this work important?
“Community-supported agriculture is a critical component in addressing food security and promoting sustainable agriculture in Puerto Rico. By investing in local food systems, we can foster stronger communities, increase access to fresh produce, and reduce our dependence on imported goods. Volunteers who contribute to these projects are helping to create a more resilient and self-sufficient Puerto Rico.” says José A. Rivera, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Farm Bureau
“In the context of Puerto Rico’s ongoing challenges, providing quality early childhood education is more critical than ever. It’s essential to nurture the cognitive, emotional, and social development of our young children, laying a strong foundation for their future success. Support from volunteers and organizations can make a significant difference in ensuring equitable access to quality early education for all children on the island.” says Jorge A. Casillas, Executive Director of the Association of Early Childhood Education
“El Yunque is not only a crucial ecosystem for Puerto Rico, but it’s also a symbol of our rich natural heritage. Restoring and preserving this unique forest is essential for the island’s biodiversity, water resources, and the well-being of our communities. Volunteer efforts play a significant role in helping us achieve these goals and ensure a sustainable future for El Yunque National Forest.” says Carlos M. Rodríguez-Rivera, Forest Supervisor of El Yunque National Forest
CC International provides all food, lodging, and project coordination so that your volunteer team can focus on completing projects that address community-supported agriculture, youth and family development, and housing support. We serve you so you can serve the community.
Check out what Volunteer Leaders have to say about their experience with CCI:
“We have done two service trips with Community Collaboration International to Puerto Rico and love the experience. Each day you do different service projects, have transportation to each site, and get to try authentic Puerto Rican cuisines. The CCI team does great at making this a memorable trip for students!” – Alex Whitmore, Assistant Director, Center for Community Engagement, Indiana State University, December 2022 and March 2023
“Our team from Elon University had a wonderful experience serving in Puerto Rico with Community Collaborations International. I really appreciate all the work that went into planning such a meaningful experience. I hope we are able to work together again in the future.” – Andrew Moffa, Assistant Director, Kernodle Center for Civic Life, Elon University, March 2023
Let’s do it again Winter 2023 and Spring 2024!
Put your team on our calendar!
(Summer and Fall Projects also available)
“After this experience, my passion for pursuing a career with humanitarian intentions has definitely grown much stronger then I ever could have imagined. I hope to spend more of my life helping people in the way I helped them over this spring break.” Ohio State Volunteer
Puerto Rico Sample 8 Day - Project Plan
Day 1
- Arrival at Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport pick up 5pm
- Transfer to Volunteer Facility
- Dinner at Volunteer Facility Orientation
Day 2
- Breakfast at Volunteer Facility
- Rainforest Trail Maintenance Project
- Lunch
- Continue Project
- Dinner at Volunteer Facility
Day 3
- Breakfast at Volunteer Facility
- Housing Improvement Project
- Lunch
- Continue Project
- Dinner at Volunteer Facility
- Kayak Night Tour
Day 4
- Breakfast at Volunteer Facility
- Housing Improvement Project
- Lunch
- Continue Project
- Dinner at Volunteer Facility
Day 5
- Breakfast at Volunteer Facility
- Community Agriculture Project
- Lunch
- Continue Project
- Dinner at Volunteer Facility
Day 6
- Breakfast at Volunteer Facility
- Onsite Camp Improvement Projects
- Visit Boys and Girls Club
- Dinner at Volunteer Facility
Day 7
- Breakfast at Volunteer Facility
- Catamaran to Coral Reef
- Lunch on Catamaran and Icacos Island
- Coral Reef Exploration
- Arrive and transfer to Volunteer Facility
- Dinner at Volunteer Facility
Day 8
- Breakfast at Volunteer Facility
- Prep for Departure
- Drop at the airport 2 hours before the flight
