Hurricane Dean swept though the Caribbean and into Mexico the week of August 20th, 2007. It caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. The storm passed through the Caribbean and made landfall in the southern Yucatan Peninsula as a category 5 storm. It was the most intense Atlantic Hurricane to hit land since 1992, and the third most intense Atlantic storm to hit land since the 1850’s when these figures were recorded. An Associated Press report August 23rd portrayed the mainly Mayan communities there in a state of ruin and virtual abandonment by the government two days after landfall. There has been some government aid and military support but in reality the people are left to fend for themselves. The real wealth of the area was the trees, now scattered and broken in the storm’s wake. Village after village is carpeted with fallen mangoes, oranges, guanabanas and manneys that will never be harvested. Report after report describes the devastation to the environment by Dean.

We encourage people to goggle hurricane dean relief efforts to see how you can help or alternatively below are a couple of suggestions on how you can make a difference to the people of the area.

Visit www.bacalarmosaico.com
This financial relief effort is being coordinated by Margaret Londahl and is well worth your support

Join the Mis Casas Relief Effort by staying at Mis Casas while offering your volunteer services to the people of Pedro Santos our neighbouring town (4km away from Mis Casas). You can stay in our delightful units with no accommodation cost (except for your food, bar, personal expenditures) if you agree to spend 1-2 hours a day working at Mis Casas and 3-4 hours working on community rebuilding efforts. If you want a meaningful grassroots experience and to make an invaluable humanitarian contribution please take us up on this barter deal. Minimum stays of one week apply.