| And I want you to see what we’re doing to help communities rebuild and recover. |
March has been an unprecedented month for the world, as our thoughts and actions have turned to the current and future impacts of the 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. 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. 
Beacon School Executive Director Titi fills a teapot with potable water.
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.
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.
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 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. 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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