News and Spotlights
CCPS Faculty and Students Assist with Disaster Relief Efforts
February 04, 2019
For the past 12 years, Professors Smith and Williams have led a group of CCPS students on a U.S.-based service learning volunteerism experience relating to a natural disaster. This year's efforts focused on Puerto Rico which was hit by Hurricane Maria in 2017. This project gave GVSU students a first-hand look at the devastation that occurred, as well as a cross-cultural experience.
Based on the needs of the community, the 20 GVSU students were able to work with four families in the rebuilding of their homes; two in the mountains and two near the city of San Juan. Each site was very unique and brought different challenges, whether it was transportation or language barriers. Students were able to interact with the homeowners and listen to their experiences about this disaster, their culture, and their community.