The Junta Comunitaria Pastillo Tibes (Community Board of Pastillo Tibes) serves the rural mountain communities of Pandura and Pastillo Tibes in Ponce, PR, where over 90% of residents live in severe poverty. Located in the foothills of the Cordillera Central Mountain range, these remote communities face constant challenges to their survival and well-being. When Hurricane Maria struck in 2017, families were stranded without help for months, and years later many have still not recovered — revealing how vulnerable these communities are to natural disasters and government neglect. Without clean drinking water or reliable roads, everyday life remains a constant challenge. Founded in 2024, The Junta Comunitaria Pastillo Tibes works to transform these isolated areas into strong, stable neighborhoods where families can build better lives. Their work focuses on disaster preparedness, healthcare access, education, and essential infrastructure. Through community-led projects, they are creating safe, healthy neighborhoods where people work together to build a better future for generations to come.
Junta Comunitaria Pastillo Tibes is turning a neglected basketball court and kiosk into a community kitchen, starting with a new water tank and plumbing that will ultimately support a community center and emergency shelter. Photo: Junta Comunitaria Pastillo Tibes.
The women-led grassroots organization is powered by 6-10 dedicated volunteers. Through Junta Comunitaria Pastillo Tibes’ monthly newspaper, El Tibeño, they connect with residents, assess community needs, and coordinate vital food assistance programs. They manage essential community services, from food bank distributions to health fairs, and host events like their annual Carrera del Pavo (Turkey Trot) holiday celebration and Feast of Kings gathering where neighbors enjoy free food, entertainment, toys and wellness resources. On a mission to create a community resilience center, the group is rehabilitating a basketball court and park facility, developing a fully equipped community kitchen for daily use and emergencies, and implementing comprehensive water security measures. Their disaster preparedness initiatives focus on installing home water systems, providing solar backup power for medically vulnerable residents, and establishing a community shelter. The group also leads regular neighborhood beautification efforts and conducts critical maintenance of roads and embankments to prevent hazardous mudslides and improve drainage in their mountainous terrain.
Junta Comunitaria de Pastillo Tibes hosts a Feast of Kings celebration, sharing food, toys, and gift certificates with residents. January 3, 2025. Photo: Junta Comunitaria Pastillo Tibes.