And I want you to see what we’re doing to help communities rebuild and
recover.

[ [link removed] ]Mercy Corps

March has been an unprecedented month for the world, as
our thoughts and actions have turned to the current and future impacts of
the [ [link removed] ]COVID-19 pandemic.

For the people of The Bahamas, this month also marks the moment six months
ago when — in an instant — thousands of people were suddenly without food,
water, shelter and medical supplies. Their lives would never be the same.

Within days of Hurricane Dorian’s arrival on the shores of The Bahamas,
Mercy Corps had teams on the ground. We helped survivors get clean water,
connected them with emergency services and provided immediate support to
help people begin the long road to rebuilding and recovery.

[ [link removed] ]You can read more about our initial response after the hurricane here ▸

In the following months, I had the chance to go to The Bahamas myself, to
document the work Mercy Corps is doing to help communities rebuild. I met
with community and field team members to hear their stories first-hand.

[ [link removed] ][IMG]
Beacon School Executive Director Titi fills a teapot with potable water.

"The minute we were in the school getting the school cleaned up, that’s
when Mercy Corps came in saying, "What do you need — we can provide it
for you." It was the minute I knew it was time now to get back in and
get the school ready for the children, we had the water that was
needed." — Titi, Executive Director of the Beacon School for children
with disabilities.

Shortly after our initial arrival in The Bahamas, our response team worked
together with the Mission Resolve Foundation to build a water treatment
plant that uses reverse osmosis to make otherwise highly salinated water
safe to use for cooking, bathing and drinking. While the reverse osmosis
plant produces 7,500 gallons of clean water each day, I was told that
community members are still having to use salinated water for sanitary
purposes.

"Water was a big issue because even now, the salinity of the city water
is still at a level where you can’t consume it. We’re still using water
that Mercy Corps was able to help us with, and bottled water." — Debbie,
Hospital Unit Manager.

As recovery efforts shift from short-term emergency aid to long-term
support, response teams are working to help community members rebuild
through economic recovery programs, which are also helping locals recover
from the trauma of surviving a natural disaster.

"I think a lot of people are still dealing with the emotional loss. The
people lost on multiple fronts. People lost both their homes and their
businesses... It was a mental toll on a lot of people." — Virginia,
Program Officer, Economic Recovery Program.

Even though the storm happened six months ago, the story of recovery and
rebuilding isn’t over. In fact, it’s just beginning.

Businesses need to open so the economy can begin to recover. Clean water
needs to be accessible. Hospitals need support as some reopen for the
first time after the storm. Some communities are still without water and
power. There is still more work to be done.

I’m truly thankful for supporters like you, who continually show up for
those in need. Despite the new challenges presented by the COVID-19
pandemic, we are dedicated to continuing to provide the lifesaving
assistance that more than 28 million people around the world rely on.

As we enter the next six months of recovery and rebuilding in The Bahamas,
I hope that you [ [link removed] ]follow us and our efforts to help communities continue
their journeys to recovery, and see what happens when you believe a better
world is possible. We also hope for the safety and health of you, our
supporters, and your loved ones. Take care of yourselves and each other.

Sincerely,

Ezra Millstien
Senior Content Producer
Mercy Corps

Update: According to the Nassau Guardian and other sources, as of March
15th, The Bahamas recorded its first COVID-19 case. Our thoughts are with
the people there — and across the globe. [ [link removed] ]It is an important reminder
that in this time of crisis and throughout the year, we must all help each
other, and continue to protect the most vulnerable among us.

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