Lin Benitez

Lin was born in Chicago, raised in Paterson, New Jersey, and now lives with her family in Puerto Rico.

After working for several major photography studios as a professional photographer, she started her own studio in Chicago. In her early twenties she began to volunteer at the Albizu Campos Puerto Rican High School, an alternative school in the community. From that experience she became involved in community organizing in Chicago’s Humboldt Park. In 2013, she and her family moved from Chicago to Vega Baja, Puerto Rico—fulfilling long-held dream of living on the island.

After Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, Lin saw the devastation that had struck her community of Barrio Almirante Sur. She contacted family and friends from Chicago, and they began to send packages of much needed food and supplies. Soon, others heard of her work and people from all over the United States began to send her supplies to be distributed throughout the community.

Seven months later and counting, she is still active in helping people in the neighborhood, especially our older and very sick citizens. It has been both physically and psychologically taxing to see the need that still exists. Nevertheless, Lin has continued on her mission of assistance and support in Barrio Almirante Sur, Vega Baja, Puerto Rico.