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REBUILDING LIVES

Reconstructing the Dominican Republic after Hurricane Georges

Hurricane Georges destroyed 60 percent of the coffee plantations in Jarabacoa, thus affecting the economy of 215 coffee growers and the families of the area.

"Before the hurricane we were producing 62 pounds per tarea (10 pounds per acre). We are now producing 200 pounds per tarea (31 pounds per acre). Our production has increased, thus our standards of living."
- Lorenzo Infante, Manabao coffee grower

Image of land destroyed by Hurricane Georges     Image of a family under a shade tree

"I lost my coffee trees and five of 17 pigs. Without your help I wouldn't have been able to clear and rebuild my land. Without your help I would have abandoned my coffee. I am very grateful to the American people for their help."
- Lorenzo Infante, Manabao coffee grower

"Your help was very important to the renewal of our economic situation. Without your help, coffee growers like Fredy would have been ruined. Being hit by dropping coffee prices and a hurricane was devastating to our lives and our economy."
- Jose Maria "Don Jose" de la Cruz (63), local Manabao resident and President of the Los Dajaos Farmer's Association

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