Joyce Giraud is helping her native Puerto Rica following the devastating events of Hurricane Maria.

“The moment the hurricane hit, I knew I needed to do something immediately. The feeling of seeing my beautiful island in such peril and knowing my people were in need was just heartbreaking,” the former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star told Life & Style magazine. “I set up a fundraising campaign, matched it personally to different charities, and to our local church.”

Giraud gained fame in the U.S. when she joined the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills during its fourth season. Giraud moved to Los Angeles from Puerto Rico in 2001.

Following her stint on reality television, Giraud is donating 30 percent of the proceeds from her haircare line to Amor en Acción to a charity in Puerto Rico.

“They go to the most needy — especially children, and they help them directly,” she explained. “They need so much. From drinkable water, food, and medicine to gas, tarps, toiletries, and shelter. I personally have so many friends that have lost everything. The destruction and despair is bigger than anything you can imagine.”

“The first moment I was able to talk to my mother, she told me under tears that some of our family members had lost everything; entire houses flown away,” she revealed. “Her house got flooded and windows broken, but she said to me, ‘We are alive and that’s what matters, the rest we will rebuild.’”

“First, I was scared for my family, my loved ones, my island, my people. Then after I saw the destruction, I was simply heartbroken,” she recalled. “But my people are strong, resilient, and we will rise back!”