"It was devastating news," Riera recalled. "We tried to focus on helping the people who were there. We barely had a vacation because helping Venezuela was more important."

The tragedy also hit close to home. Riera said he still has family and friends in Venezuela, some of whom lost loved ones in the disaster. Several of the places he remembered visiting in his youth were also severely damaged.

A Family Effort

Rather than standing by, Riera's family immediately went into action.

"We're a family business," he said. "My dad works with me, my wife, my mom, my sister—everyone works in the company. Just as we're united here, we're also very close with the family we still have back home."

Instead of waiting for international shipments, the family chose a faster approach. Relatives living near the Colombian border purchased water, nonperishable food, medicine and hygiene supplies, loaded a truck and drove more than 10 hours to deliver the aid directly to the affected communities.

The Industry Responds as Rescue Efforts Continue

While the Riera family organized relief efforts from Texas and Venezuela, rescue operations continued in the hardest-hit areas.

Emergency teams from several countries have been working around the clock among collapsed buildings, facing a shortage of heavy equipment and difficult access to some communities.

"Every hour matters," said Steve Slepcevic, founder of Strategic Response Partners (SRP), from the disaster zone. "Teams are searching collapsed buildings where families are still hoping their loved ones will be found alive."

The outpouring of support has also spread throughout the Venezuelan roofing community.

Danaik Garay, Secretary of the National Women in Roofing (NWIR) Southwest Florida Chapter and a metal roofing professional, has used her social media platforms to share information about the disaster and promote relief efforts for affected families.

Through her posts, Garay has also encouraged people to continue supporting Venezuela and reminded followers that the needs of affected communities will continue long after the headlines fade.

A Commitment That Is Just Beginning

For Riera, the roofing industry has the ability to make a meaningful difference, even though small contributions.

"The roofing industry has given us so much. I think it's time to embrace another country," he said. "No contribution is too small. Even $20 can provide breakfast, lunch and dinner for a child who has nothing."

Riera also reflected on the role roofing has played in his own journey.

After being forced to leave Venezuela for political reasons, he found a new opportunity in the roofing industry—and now, a way to give back to those who need it most.

"Roofing opened many doors for me. I thank God for bringing me into this industry because now I'm helping my people when they need it most."

Although media attention will eventually fade, Riera believes the needs of affected communities are only beginning.

Rebuilding will take time, and he believes the commitment to helping should be just as long-term.

"Our help isn't just for today; it's going to continue in the future," he said. "There are many children who lost their parents. It would be wonderful to find groups willing to sponsor a child by providing food, education and the opportunity for a new life."

According to Reuters, as of July 8, authorities reported 3,811 fatalities, 16,740 injuries and 17,907 people left homeless, while emergency crews continued working among collapsed buildings and severely damaged communities.