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Hurricane Maria: Nebraskans sending supplies to Puerto Rico

Posted at 9:56 PM, Sep 29, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-29 22:56:29-04

An Omaha man's family is in Puerto Rico, and he's trying to get them to Omaha to start a new life after the hurricane ruined their home.

Joel Ortiz's two sons live in Hatillo, Puerto Rico with his ex-wife and her husband.

Hurricane Maria destroyed their two-story home, ultimately leaving the family of five without a place to live.

They are temporarily living with relatives on the island, but Ortiz says the entire island is a mess.

His mission now is to relocate his family to Omaha because necessities in Puerto Rico are extremely limited.

The hurricane left Puerto Rico in pieces. Destruction hit hard and relief is coming, but the entire island is without power and many have become desperate for food and drinking water.

Nebraskans came together to support Houston and Florida, and now a local organization is asking you to support Puerto Rico as well.

At least 900 Puerto Ricans are living in Nebraska — many of them have family and friends still on the island. Now, they are asking everyone to show their support.