andgrantmaking,PuertoRicoCommunityFoundationPresidentDr.Nelson I. Colón said the opportunity to connect with the community foundation network on the mainland has been, literally, a life-saver. “Even before these terrible storms, Puerto Rico had a terrible inequity issueleadingtoveryhighratesofpoverty,”Colóntoldconferenceparticipants. “Community foundations understand what is required to reach our most vulnerableresidentsinsuchanemergency.”Also,communityfoundations understandthatrecoverypresentsopportunitiestorebuildbetterthanbefore, he says. “Our intention is to do more than meet basic needs.” HisfoundationhasestablishedtheGiftofLightandWatercampaigns with the mission of ensuring that every resident regardless of economic situation has access to power and clean water. Atoppriorityistorestorethenetworkof107communityhealthclinics ontheisland,manyofwhicharethesolesourcesofhealthcareforthemost vulnerable residents in outlying communities. Since much of the island’s fragileelectricalgridwasupendedbyMaria,thegoalistoprovidealternative power sources, such as solar cells to ensure that emergency rooms and refrigeration units continue to operate in the aftermath of future storms. As of this fall, about 24 clinics had been connected to alternative power at an average cost of $30,000. “As philanthropic first responders, you are helping us connect with community first responders,” Colón said at the CF United conference. For ThePittsburghFoundationandotherplace-basedphilanthropies,providing that service far beyond home territory honors the local mission. ▪ Alma Morales Rosario’s home was destroyed by Hurricane Maria one year ago in the San Lorenzo neighbor­hood of Morovis, Puerto Rico. It is now in the process of being rebuilt.