ABHMS launches Wells of Hope for Puerto Rico initiative as the island’s freshwater crisis deepens

‍VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 08/10/2026)—As thousands of Puerto Rico residents grapple with frequent, prolonged water shortages that have prompted emergency government intervention, including water rationing, American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) is launching Wells of Hope for Puerto Rico: Strengthening churches. Sustaining communities, a humanitarian initiative to help churches expand reliable access to safe water in localities most affected by the worsening crisis.

Aging infrastructure, drought, and exploitation by business interests have placed mounting strain on the island's water system, and local officials acknowledge that years of underinvestment have left Puerto Ricans increasingly vulnerable to water shortages.

For many families, unreliable water service is far more than an inconvenience. Interruptions disrupt work and school, complicate meal preparation and personal hygiene, and add financial strain to households already facing economic challenges. Older adults, people with disabilities, and residents with limited transportation often bear the greatest burden.

"Being without water for several days disrupts family and work life," said Puerto Rico resident Karla Avilés. "Measuring every drop of water collected for cooking, washing dishes, and personal hygiene is agonizing. We had to go to relatives' houses to bathe and do laundry. We had to eat out for dinner, which strained the family budget."

Rev. Abigaíl Medina Betancourt, ABHMS' national coordinator for Intercultural Engagement, reported from the island that water shortages have become so extreme that some residents have gone as long as two weeks without running water, and emergency responders are fielding daily calls for assistance. "The most concerning aspect of this situation is that [Puerto Rico] has a large elderly population who lack the resources and strength to obtain and carry water," she said.

Wells of Hope for Puerto Rico will address some immediate water needs, but its broader objective is to invest in the local ministries that communities already trust. Support for the initiative through One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS), the relief ministry of American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA), will help local churches and community organizations strengthen community resilience by identifying and developing solutions that improve long-term access to safe water.

"Puerto Rico's Baptist churches have stood alongside their communities through hurricanes, earthquakes, economic hardship, and countless other challenges, putting faith into action," said Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, executive director of ABHMS. “Wells of Hope for Puerto Rico builds on years of collaboration between ABHMS and these churches and incorporates the missional zeal and resources of island-based community organizations already serving their neighbors.”

Working through an established network of Baptist congregations, the Happy Givers Foundation, Baptist Disaster Response Centers, and other trusted partners, ABHMS will facilitate projects that expand reliable access to safe water where it is needed most. Among the projects under consideration are community wells, church and ministry facility water cisterns, neighborhood water access points, and household water storage systems.

Rev. Jennifer Stewart, Ph.D., director of ABHMS’ Healing & Transforming Communities unit, emphasized the benefits of upgrading water infrastructure. “More dependable access to clean water is about protecting health, preserving dignity, and ensuring that churches can continue to serve as trusted places of welcome, hope, and practical care during times of crisis."

As ABHMS collaborates with Puerto Rican churches and community organizations to lead the initiative’s on-the-ground response to the water crisis, it also invites the wider American Baptist family to stand with them by generously supporting Wells of Hope for Puerto Rico’s relief efforts through OGHS.

To learn more about Wells of Hope for Puerto Rico: Strengthening churches. Sustaining communities, and to make a tax-deductible contribution online, visit ABHMS’ donor portal.

Checks designated for OGHS–Wells of Hope for Puerto Rico should be mailed to ABHMS’ Office of Development, care of Kim Wilkins, at 1075 First Avenue, King of Prussia, PA 19406. If it reflects the donor’s intent, the check should include the name of the donor’s church and “Wells of Hope for Puerto Rico” in the memo section to ensure the church receives credit for the gift.

About American Baptist Home Mission Societies

American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.

‍About American Baptist Churches USA

American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.

About One Great Hour of Sharing

The World Relief Committee of the Board of General Ministries of ABCUSA administers One Great Hour of Sharing. The committee facilitates American Baptist emergency relief, disaster rehabilitation, refugee work, and development assistance by setting policy guidelines and overseeing the distribution of OGHS offerings.