Community Resiliency: From Volunteer Hands to Community Hubs
Many people across the nation are lucky. When it rains, the water goes down the drains. When it storms, the winds are light and manageable. When there is a power outage, it only lasts for a couple of hours. But for countless under-resourced communities, especially as our climate changes and infrastructure ages, these basic services are no longer a given.
At Engineers Without Borders USA, our Community Engineering Corps program hears from more communities every year—communities not only looking to fix broken systems, but to build infrastructure that keeps them safe in times of crisis and supports their daily lives. More and more, community members are asking for help to prepare for natural disasters by creating safe, accessible spaces that can serve as a lifeline when the unexpected happens. In recent years, we've seen a significant rise in requests related to resiliency hubs—places powered by alternative energy, equipped with potable water, and backed by strong engineering plans. These hubs reflect a growing awareness among under-resourced communities: resilient infrastructure isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
In recent years, the Community Engineering Corps program (CECorps) has partnered with six communities to design or rehabilitate community centers that support daily needs like education, childcare, and cultural events—while also serving as safe, powered spaces during emergencies.
One powerful example is unfolding in southern Louisiana, where EWB-USA volunteers are working with the Houma Tribe, Building Humanity, and other partners to design a community resilience center. After Hurricane Ida devastated homes, severed utilities, and erased gathering spaces, the Tribe requested help to design a facility that could withstand Category 4 storms and provide backup energy, clean water, and food storage in emergencies. More than just a building, the center will be a lifeline, serving as a sanctuary during crisis and a vibrant cultural hub in quieter times. Without this space, the Houma Tribe risk losing more than infrastructure—they risk losing a cultural center.
Another example of building resilience is on the island of Puerto Rico, where reliable energy access is a major issue. Not only is the grid aging and unstable, but energy access for many communities in the rural and mountainous regions is a challenge. These remote communities deal with extreme prices for energy, over double the price of continental US consumers, and regular blackouts. Even minor wind events can cut off a community from power, inhibiting the ability to preserve food, communicate with loved ones, and heat or cool their homes.
EWB-USA is proud to partner with two communities in Puerto Rico, equipping community centers with renewable energy systems. These new systems ensure that, during outages, neighbors have a place to refrigerate food, stay connected, and remain safe. More than just electricity, these hubs provide security, dignity, and peace of mind for all.
Join us in supporting this community resilience - we can’t do it without you! Your donation to Engineers Without Borders USA provides the vital foundation for the Community Engineering Corps to succeed. Ensuring every community has access to the infrastructure they need—not just to survive, but to thrive.
Donate today. Build resilience. Help communities thrive.