FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, Oct. 5, 2022 – The Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation (GBDRF), a charitable organization founded by the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) after Hurricane Matthew in 2016, continues its efforts to assist with home repairs for those in GB communities who are still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Dorian.
The GBDRF, which is funded entirely by private donations, along with SBP — an NGO headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and recognized as a leader in disaster resilience and recovery — together donated $450,000 to the home repair program earlier this year. Hurricane Dorian, the worst natural disaster in our country’s recorded history, was an extremely powerful Category 5 hurricane that took the lives of more than 30 Bahamians and caused catastrophic damage to hundreds of homes across Grand Bahama and Abaco.
“We are exceptionally proud of all we have been able to achieve in partnership with SBP for so many families in Grand Bahama,” said Karla McIntosh, GBDRF Board member. “Since inception, we have provided mold remediation for 144 homes and restored 175 , including 52 homes in our most recent home repair program to assist families in Hawksbill, East Section, West Section, Coral Reef, and Hudson Estates subdivisions. That means 52 more families whose properties were damaged by the sustained winds and floodwaters of Hurricane Dorian are back in safe, secure and comfortable homes.”
The home repair program, initiated in May 2022, employs local licensed contractors to restore homes throughout the island with a focus on the elderly, the disabled and single mothers with children. In just four months, partners GBDRF and SBP have made a substantial difference to so many families, but there is still a great deal more to do.
“We are grateful for our partnership with SBP and the remarkable work they have done – and continue to do – here in Grand Bahama,” added Ms. McIntosh. “GBDRF remains committed to doing all we can to help the residents of Grand Bahama, but we can’t do it without the support of private donors. I want to take this opportunity to invite the island’s businesses and residents to consider donating to the Foundation so that we can continue to help those in greatest need.”
To donate and for more information about GBDRF, visit https://gbdisasterrelief.org/donations/.
