As most of us are aware, the communities in the path of Dorian’s landfall in the Bahamas suffered unprecedented damages and the unfortunate loss of life in affected areas. From many accounts, media coverage cannot fully capture the devastation from this historical disaster that is the new normal for survivors. It’s estimated that more than 2,500 people are missing, the latest death toll is 50, more than 13,000 homes were destroyed or severely damaged, and more than 70,000 residents are in need of shelter, many left with only what they were able to salvage. In many cases, they have nothing. Residents in the affected areas are suddenly homeless and those who were fortunate enough to not lose their homes have no power or functional utilities while recovery efforts are underway.
If you have given or plan to support to one of the groups who are supporting Bahamas relief efforts, ‘thank you’ is not enough. Our fundraising effort is different in that we seek an investment that has been difficult to acquire so far. Our goal is to secure and transport mobile shower units for immediate use with generators and/or propane tanks. Estimates of various sizes of shower units adequate for community use range from approximately $20,000 upward to $98,000 for units that accommodate up to 16 individual showers within a mobile trailer.
We have partnered with an established, local Adventist Community Services (ACS) (https://southpointsda.org/global-outreach.php) that can accept your tax-deductible donation because of its 501(c)(3) status (Pastor Ryan Amos, Ryan.Amos@FloridaConference.com).
Yes, the needs are overwhelming, but survivors are hopeful that their needs will be met with the help of big hearts and helping hands who become aware of unmet needs during the rebuilding season.
