Some fast facts about this project:

  • Location: Puerto Viejo and surrounding South Caribbean communities, Costa Rica
  • Project Type: Community Relief & Development
  • Beneficiaries: Over 350 families (and counting)
  • Timeline: Established in 2020 – Ongoing

About the project:

Born from the crisis of the 2020 pandemic, The RISE Foundation began its journey as Puerto Viejo Esenciales, a grassroots relief initiative aimed at supporting families devastated by the shutdown of Costa Rica’s tourism economy. We quickly became a lifeline, feeding over 350 families and delivering medical and practical aid during a time of unprecedented uncertainty.

What began as an emergency response has now grown into an ongoing community support program. Today, our mission is deeply rooted in providing for those who continue to struggle whether it’s food, school supplies, healthcare, housing support, or helping their beloved animals.

What the project needs:

  • Monthly funding for food, medicine, and essentials
  • Donations of school supplies and hygiene products
  • Volunteers and partnerships for outreach and logistics
  • Support for infrastructure to expand services

We need regular donors, supplies, and community champions to keep this program running and growing.

Where the money will go:

Your support keeps struggling families nourished, safe, and hopeful.

1.

Food Relief:

Grocery packages and fresh produce for families in need

2.

Healthcare Support:

Medical visits, emergency transport, and medications

3.

Educational Aid:

School uniforms, backpacks, and classroom essentials

4.

Housing & Homeless Support:

Basic shelter supplies and assistance

5.

Animal Care:

Support for low-income families with pets

The impact

  • 350+ families supported during the height of the COVID-19 crisis
  • Ongoing assistance now reaching hundreds annually
  • Children equipped for school, individuals helped through homelessness
  • Pets and families kept together through veterinary and food aid
  • Strengthened community resilience and dignity

This project is a testament to what compassion, action, and community can achieve no matter the crisis.

Working with the community, for the community:

We’re proud to collaborate with local organizations like The One Love Children’s Foundation and El Puente, ensuring help reaches those who need it most. The RISE Community Support Project is driven by locals, for locals with empathy, trust, and sustainability at its core.

Together with our partners and volunteers, we’re restoring hope one family, one meal, one act of kindness at a time.