Below is the latest information that I have received regarding the efforts of Shelter Box and Rotary to help those in the Bahamas. If you have any questions, please feel to contact me
Past District 6630 Governor and Shelter Box USA Board of Directors (2007-14)
I have received the following word from Bahamas Prime Minister, Hubert Minnis who states "for those who want to help, work with reputable charities with proven records. Donate your time, talents and resources to their relief efforts and this will make a big difference. This is vital to ensure that relief supplies and aid to ensure those supplies get to those in need as timely as possible."
The following is the latest information I have received this evening (September 9, 2019) from our Shelter Box USA office.
1. Our Shelter Box assessment team arrived in the Bahamas, Nassau this past week and is working with other humanitarian organizations and Rotary contacts to understand how me might be able to help people affected by Hurricane Dorian.
2. Many communities on the island are still underwater, with families still being evacuated from the most affected areas. Search and rescue continues to be the main priority.
3. A recent report from OCHA states that 15,000 people are in need of assistance.
4. The situation will remain unclear for some time. Early conversations are pointing to the most suitable items potentially being tarpaulins, shelter kits solar lights and other household items.
5. Travel between the islands is still extremely challenging and our Shelter Box team have not yet traveled to the worst affected islands. Ports, harbors and airports have all been severely damaged and the current focus on the islands is search and rescue.
6. The Shelter Box Team has been in close contact with Immediate Past RI President Barry Rassin and Past District Governor Felix Stubbs who are coordinating the Rotary Bahamas Response to Hurricane Dorian.
7. The Shelter Box team joined the District 7020 Disaster Management Committee meeting today (Monday September 9th) and were able to update them on our progress and understanding the coordination process, assessment gaps and plans to tie in with other International Agencies, the UN and IFRC and local NGO's to try and get a full picture as to the challenges.
Rotary International Past President Barry Rassin is keeping Shelter Box informed of Rotary efforts across the Bahamas, including joint response with District 6690. Shelter Box is able to share information and ur connections with the UN and international agencies to ensure closer coordination, collaboration, reducing any duplication and identifying if and where gaps exist that our shelter aid (including tools, house hold items) may be of use.
8. When we (Shelter Box) has the appropriate information we need to respond, we will communicate right away and accordingly to all Rotarians.
This is the latest information I have received. If you have further questions and or willing to support the efforts of Shelter Box, Please feel free to contact me.
THANK YOU FOR HELPING US TRANSFORM DESPAIR INTO HOPE.
PDG Jack Young and Shelter Box USA Past Board of Director member---jack1villa@aol.com or 440-759-4000 