FREEPORT, Grand Bahama, June 30, 2022 – The Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation (GBDRF), a non-profit organization founded in 2016 after Hurricane Matthew by the Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA), continues its philanthropic and storm-readiness efforts in the city of Freeport.
The GBDRF was pleased to make a donation of $25,000 to the Evangeline Jervis Community Distribution Center for their newly constructed, first-of-its-kind hurricane shelter and soup kitchen. The shelter is the first and only purpose-built hurricane shelter on the island of Grand Bahama, and GBDRF’s donation will enable the purchase and installation of a state-of the-art generator for the facility.
Ian Rolle, GBDRF Board Member, stated, “As the island continues to progress in the wake of one of the most devastating hurricanes, this premier hurricane shelter and full-time soup kitchen will act as a beacon of light and an emblem of hope, not only for the community it resides in but for the entire island of Grand Bahama.”
He added, “The GBDRF was birthed out of a difficult time and, since its inception, it has created and fostered both local and international partnerships that aid in restoring and rebuilding back stronger, better and more resilient.”
The hurricane shelter, which is 4,200 square feet and four feet above ground, can hold approximately 300 persons comfortably. It is outfitted with amenities, including a large multipurpose area for dining and sleeping, a large industrial kitchen, and several restrooms including showers. To date, the shelter has completed 3 of 8 architectural phases and is on schedule to be fully completed in August 2022 in time for the height of the hurricane season.
Carleta Jervis Carolina, member of the Center’s Board of Directors, stated how grateful she is to the GBDRF and, by extension, the GBPA for their unwavering support and their contribution.
“This donation will assist us greatly in meeting the needs and helping to transform the lives of individuals and families in Grand Bahama,” she said. “This shelter will allow us to continue to provide care, resources, proper food distribution, clothing and a temporary safe environment in the midst of uncertainty or in a crisis. I can’t thank GBDRF enough.”
She added, “The generator was a critical need and expense for us and, now that we have the necessary funds, this will aid in the completion of the shelter”
The dire need for a designated hurricane shelter became apparent following Hurricane Dorian. The GBDRF is actively working toward seeing the vision to fruition and encourages other organizations and corporate partners to reach out and offer assistance.
For more information on how to donate or receive help from the Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation, visit www.gbdisasterrelief.org. To donate to the Evangeline Jervis Community Distribution Center, visit their website at www.ejerviscommunitycenter.com.
