Hurricane Dorian Recovery
Hurricane Dorian Recovery
Helping families impacted by Hurricane Dorian in both the USA and the Bahamas
Helping families impacted by Hurricane Dorian in both the USA and the Bahamas
In September 2019, Category 5 Hurricane Dorian slammed into the shores of The Bahamas as the most powerful and most destructive disaster on record to hit the islands. It crawled slowly over the land decimating parts of the country and causing extreme flooding and damage on the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama and their surrounding cays with widespread power outages, scattered debris and homes that had been completely levelled. Thousands of people were affected and after the storm passed, many were left wondering “where do we go from here?”
In the time since the storm hit, the American Red Cross has been there, providing relief support in the immediate days after the storm and maintaining a presence long after the storm has passed to shape the long-term picture of what the future will be for those whose lives were changed.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of the public, the Red Cross has been able to directly support the people whose lives were most deeply disrupted by Dorian. Donations to the Red Cross allowed us to put cash right back into the hands of local people so they could choose for themselves exactly what they needed. We gave out emergency supplies, food and clean water to thousands of families, supported small businesses trying to stay afloat amid Dorian and the global pandemic and helped to be the bridge to comfort and hope following a life-changing disaster. Read more about how the Red Cross is helping people get back into their homes, provided water for an entire island, helped to replace everyday household items, and supporting small businesses. Together, these initiatives are contributing to the positive recovery of the islands and improved quality of life for local families.
“The American Red Cross has been there with food, shelter, everything. My family really appreciates it because we left Abaco with nothing,”
Hurricane survivor Sheikadena Sawyer
Distributed $11.3 million in cash
Served over 560,000 hot meals
Supported purification & distribution of over 1.5 million gallons of water
Covered $840,000 in rental assistance payments for 200 families
Supported 302 small businesses with $2.1 million in grant money
Provided over $3.5 million to 500 families for home repair
Extended over $675,000 in additional support to 257 small businesses affected by COVID-19
Supplied 350 sanitation and hygiene kits to vulnerable children and adults in the Bahamas
Secured PPE and specialized COVID-19 adapted hurricane and shelter training
We’ve come together with the Bahamian community to reliably deliver aid where it is needed most while working alongside the Bahamas Red Cross, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent and partners on the ground.
In September, Red Cross volunteers and nurses met evacuees as they stepped off planes coming from the devastated islands and helped get them to hospitals. Those volunteers brought stability and direction to those overwhelmed by the chaos and turmoil of emergency evacuations.
We supported shelters on the islands and organized the distribution of relief items to thousands of families while mental health volunteers fanned out across the communities to reach those searching for emotional support.
Beyond giving out items, the Red Cross worked to distribute over $11 million in cash assistance to local people, providing them the freedom to buy what they need when they need it for their families. For many, the money was the first step in their recovery journey and provided reassurance that they would overcome the challenges presented by Dorian and bring some normalcy back to their lives.
Abaco resident Sheikadena Sawyer didn’t even have shoes on as she got off the plane after evacuating. “This is it,” she remembers thinking as the roof started to bend and peel off the school she was in being used as a shelter during the storm, holding hands with her kids. A nurse by training, Sheikadena did not stop bandaging, stitching, applying pressure to anyone who walked into that space on Abaco the day the storm struck. Upon receiving financial assistance from the Red Cross days later, she realized she was being reunited with a volunteer who first helped her off the plane while shoeless. “You came from all over to do this? Angels. You are Red Cross angels,” she says through tears welling in her eyes. “This is for my kids, they went back to school yesterday and now I can afford to get them their uniforms, workbooks and new clothes. All I can say is thank you.”
“I am so thankful for the Red Cross. They’ve really been good to me and they helped me fix my roof and I want to say to you guys thank you so much,”
Gwendolyn Dawkins, resident of Murphytown, Abaco, Bahamas
The mission of the Red Cross continues to be elevated and extended through carefully executed partnerships with other humanitarian organizations responding to the long-term effects of the storm in the Bahamas. Partnerships with Mercy Corps, World Central Kitchen and CORE have allowed the Red Cross to stand alongside these groups to provide further aid including hundreds of thousands of gallons of clean, safe drinking water to residents, small business cash grants to business owners, daily fresh meals to families, financial assistance in paying rent on temporary housing, and direct assistance with repairs of hurricane-damaged homes.
Over 3,000 families received cash cards from the Red Cross, and hundreds more are receiving money directly for repairing their homes and paying rent. The Red Cross is helping families with damaged homes in Abaco and Grand Bahama as homeowners are working to make their homes more resilient against future storms and making updates to improve accessibility. Many homeowners say they feel like getting back home would mean another step toward what their lives were like before Hurricane Dorian.
In early March, 2020—more than 6 months after the Hurricane Dorian response began—a global pandemic was declared due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. The work of the American Red Cross continues in the Bahamas alongside the Bahamas Red Cross.
Programs supporting hurricane recovery including home repair and small business economic recovery are adapting to health and safety guidelines as many people affected by the hurricane continue to be put in vulnerable situations with the spread of the virus.
The Red Cross continues to deliver its lifesaving mission during this public health emergency and mental health support workers are always available to people dealing with hurricane stress now compounded by a pandemic.
Small businesses already weakened by Hurricane Dorian faced even more challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic while being vulnerable to future storms. The Red Cross is working with partners to provide cash grants to small and medium sized local businesses working to overcome these new challenges. Not only are business owners provided with cash for replacing equipment, office repairs, and more but they are provided access to business mentorship and training - further helping to build resiliency.
“Getting help from the Red Cross is a wonderful thing…without them I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Abaco resident Erlis Mcintosh smiles as she watches as workers make progress repairing her roof ahead of another hurricane season.
Robert Grant lost his Grand Bahama roadside conch shack in Hurricane Dorian, and with it his only source of income and multi-generational family business when the physical structure was torn apart. With help from the Red Cross, he was able to buy materials to rebuild and get his business open once again. Robert says as a small business owner, he was feeling “forgotten,” until the Red Cross became the first organization to provide help. Robert and hundreds more business owners are working toward getting back in business even better than before the storm.
As recovery work for Hurricane Dorian works through a global pandemic, the Red Cross is striving to prepare for the active 2020 Atlantic Hurricane season by building up the Bahamas Red Cross and volunteers and staff with additional communications capabilities, transportation equipment and an expanded workforce across the islands. Red Cross workers are prepared to support sheltering needs and activate a virtual Emergency Operations Center to remain in constant contact with leadership and local officials. The Red Cross continues to support and comfort this community as the new future of life after Dorian unfolds.
As part of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network’s relief efforts, the American Red Cross has allocated:
“He sat in front of me with his eight month old, telling me he was just trying to be a man as he held their mattress over their heads as the roof blew off. I listened and gave him his cash card. I said, ‘You can stay here as long as you need to, just sit if you’d like,’ and in that moment I could see his body just relax.”
Jessica Alcira, a Bahamas Red Cross volunteer
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January 22, 2021. Nassau, Bahamas.
Dorothy Duvra is living with family in Nassau after Hurricane Dorian damaged her Abaco home and ruined everything she owned. Duvra is one of over 600 additional families to receive financial assistance from the Red Cross in the winter of 2021 after the Red Cross gave out over $11 million initially right after the storm.
Photo by Holly Baker/American Red Cross
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January 22, 2021. Nassau, Bahamas.
“That will be something no one will ever forget.” Euturpy McIntosh says she has been helped greatly through funds provided by the Red Cross. She says it was very easy to access the money digitally and she used it to buy food, medication and contribute to the rent of her daughter’s apartment where she is living since her Abaco home was destroyed.
Photo by Holly Baker/American Red Cross
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January 14, 2021. Freeport, Grand Bahama.
Constance Plakaris’ home is filled with sprawling wall murals and artwork she crafted herself. Constance is one of hundreds of homeowners in Grand Bahama who’ve been able to move forward in home repairs and restorations with the money given by the Red Cross. “I really appreciate all you’ve done for me to help me get better,” Constance said.
Photo by Holly Baker/American Red Cross.
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January 14, 2021. Freeport, Grand Bahama.
“The help I got from them so far has made all the difference in the world.” Allison Stuart says this storm put more water into his home than any other as he points to the visible water damage line. Now he’s working on getting it repaired, and says the grant money provided by the Red Cross to help repair it is making that dream possible.
Photo by Holly Baker/American Red Cross
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January 14, 2021. Freeport, Grand Bahama.
Linda Bowe points at the attic space where her family escaped the rising water as Hurricane Dorian thrashed overhead. Eventually, over 8 feet of water was in her house. Linda was given financial assistance to be used towards making repairs. “I appreciate the Red Cross. I apply every dime that you gave me to my house.”
Photo by Holly Baker/American Red
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December 9, 2020. Sweetings Cay, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas.
Winifred Mitchell escaped the wrath of Hurricane Dorian by evacuating to Freeport, but her small restaurant did not. After living in a tent for many months after Dorian, a cash grant from the American Red Cross is helping her find her way once again. “I believe in the comeback. With the help of you all good people and loving people, I believe it will come back. You all are great.”
Photo by Holly Baker/Bahamas Red Cross
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December 9, 2020. Sweetings Cay, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas.
Field Representative Amy Bruins walks among debris left over from Hurricane Dorian in Sweetings Cay, off the far east end of Grand Bahama where the American Red Cross is funding projects to help improve the livelihoods of the people still living there.
Photo by Holly Baker/American Red Cross
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December 9, 2020. Sweetings Cay, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas.
Between losing her home and her business in Hurricane Dorian, Neceva Roberts says it has been “hard,” but slowly things are improving. Through a partnership with CORE, the American Red Cross is providing cash grants to help business owners get up and running. “It was like joy coming to my life. CORE was a blessing; the Red Cross was a blessing to me.”
Photo by Holly Baker/American Red Cross
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December 7, 2020. Freeport, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas.
A financial grant from the American Red Cross and our partner Mercy Corps made the difference in Chassarie Bullard’s printing shop re-opening. It’s been a bright spot for her to see more and more businesses opening again thanks to a business grant from the Red Cross. “It’s a ripple effect. Everything that you’ve done, it has affected thousands of people.”
Photo by Holly Baker/American Red Cross
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December 7, 2020. Freeport, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas.
Owner and managing director of Berkshire Farms, Terrance Roberts had just gotten into business when Hurricane Dorian did major damage to his farm. Roberts says grant money provided by the American Red Cross and Mercy Corps helped him with recovering. Roberts was also enrolled in the RISE program, a mentorship service that connects business owners around the world.
Photo by Holly Baker/American Red Cross
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December 3, 2020. Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas.
“I’m very grateful for what they’ve done as it’s helped me stand on my feet.” After Hurricane Dorian, Carvan Ferguson cared most about taking care of his family and hoping to see the island he lives on come back better after the disaster. Through a partnership with CORE and the American Red Cross, Carvan received a small business grant.
Photo by Holly Baker/American Red Cross
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December 3, 2020. Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas.
Cay Mills says at one point there was 8 feet of water outside his house. To help the people of Abaco, the American Red Cross has partnered with CORE to provide home repair grants. Mills received one of the grants as well as a new stove. He says the help is greatly appreciated after so many months of living without power or water. “Thank God for CORE, Red Cross and the other agencies here on the ground.”
Photo by Holly BakerAmerican Red Cross
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December 3, 2020. Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas.
Mary Newbold says the storm ripped a hole in her house and filled it with water, broke almost every window and even ripped off the roof. Mary hopes for the day she can move back from Nassau to Abaco and live in her house again. She says she feels thankful for groups like the Red Cross who’ve helped Abaco homeowners like her. “Thank you, thank you for coming here to Abaco. I am thankful for you daily.”
Photo by Holly BakerAmerican Red Cross
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December 3, 2020. Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas.
Sharon Octavien acknowledges how grateful she is her family survived the storm, but still mourns the loss of family photos, her daughter’s baby blanket and other memories gone forever. Sharon received a financial grant through CORE and funded by the American Red Cross to help pay for repairs to her home. “I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.”
Photo by Holly Baker/American Red Cross
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December 2, 2020. Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas.
Through a partnership with CORE and the American Red Cross, Charlene Russell and her sister Marla Kay received a grant to help them get back into business after losing their physical space and inventory to Dorian. “We were fully stocked and we lost everything,” Marla said. Grant money from the Red Cross has helped to reinvigorate the Abaco economy as more businesses reopen.
Photo by Holly Baker/American Red Cross
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December 2, 2020. Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas.
Johnell Curry-Russell has a passion for computers and computer repair, but Hurricane Dorian swept away the business she had worked to build for over 10 years. Financial help from the American Red Cross and its partner, CORE, has helped tremendously. “I feel privileged because a lot of businesses are still trying to get back and I’m actually back and up and running.”
Photo by Holly Baker/American Red Cross
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December 2, 2020. Abaco, Bahamas.
“Oh it was so miserable, I had to run for my life, run!” At 77 years old, it was overwhelming to see how much work her home would need but when Firstina Swain heard of the American Red Cross and CORE assisting residents in Abaco with money for home repairs, she felt a little bit of the burden be lifted. She says it feels good to see the progress and how far she has come. “There’s a lot to do but I’m still trying.”
Photo by Holly Baker/American Red Cross
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July 2, 2020. Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas.
Bahamas Red Cross Community Mobilizer Lauren Riviere checks in on one of the homes given financial assistance for repairs. It is Erlis Mcintosh’s home, and without getting it fixed and being able to rent out the units, she has no income. Lauren takes note of the progress on the work being done on the roof.
Photo by Holly Baker/American Red Cross
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June 23, 2020. Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas.
Janet and Marcel Wilson are just 2 of the 9 siblings who operate the Outriggers Beach Club restaurant. Through a partnership with MercyCorps, the American Red Cross is funding economic recovery grants for small businesses like Outriggers. While working toward reopening, Outrigger’s is preparing meals for the Bahamas Red Cross Meals on Wheels program.
Photo by Holly Baker/American Red Cross
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June 23, 2020. Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas.
Annie Beckles has been a Red Cross volunteer since 1984, and currently helps deliver meals for the Bahamas Red Cross home meal delivery program. “When you see the people knowing that this is going to be their one meal of the day and how much they appreciate it, that’s a really good feeling. I love the Red Cross and I will be a volunteer as long as I can.”
Photo by Holly Baker/American Red Cross
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June 22, 2020. West End, Grand Bahama, Bahamas.
When Hurricane Dorian rolled across Grand Bahama, Robert Grant’s conch stand was thrashed and thrown down the street. “Everything was gone…it was just nothing,” he said. The American Red Cross and Bahamas Red Cross worked together to provide cash directly to people affected by the storm to use however they needed. For Robert, that meant rebuilding his stand and getting new equipment and materials.
Photo by Holly Baker/American Red Cross
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May 4, 2020. Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas.
The American Red Cross has purchased three new flatbed trucks for the Bahamas Red Cross. They’ll be used to move PPE, food parcels, and supplies across and around the islands, to combat COVID-19, assist food insecure people, and prepare for each hurricane season. American Red Cross Field Representative Amy Bruins pictured with Bahamas Red Cross Director General Sean Brennen.
Photo by Holly Baker/American Red Cross
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May 2, 2020. Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas.
The American Red Cross helped expand the Bahamas Red Cross home meal delivery program to include more people put at risk to food insecurity due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Now the Red Cross has increased capacity to reach hundreds more people through the program which brings a hot meal to elderly, disabled, or single-parent households.
Photo by Holly Baker/American Red Cross
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March 11, 2020. Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas.
In Freeport, Grand Bahama the water is still not safe to drink following Hurricane Dorian so hundreds of people stop by the free water distribution sites set up around the island to fill up on drinking water. The American Red Cross is funding these sites set up and managed by a partner, Mercy Corps. Mercy Corps employee Julian Cooper helps fill jugs and other containers for people in the parking lot of the local Salvation Army.
Photo by Holly Baker/American Red Cross
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December 9, 2019. Abaco, Bahamas. “I was so excited when I got the call from the Red Cross, I couldn’t sleep,” said Arlene Cornish of Abaco. She has tried her best to create holiday cheer by decorating what’s left of her home. Now she has enough funds to last throughout the Holiday season. “We need the good spirits. I can’t wait to surprise my grandkids with what they really want this year.” Turning back, Arlene adds: “I will never forget you.”
Photo by Katie Wilkes/American Red Cross
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November 18, 2019. Nassau, Bahamas. American Red Cross worker, John Moore, explains how to use funds for Hurricane Dorian recovery to an evacuee on Nassau. Many families who survived the strongest storm to ever hit the Bahamas are beginning a new chapter in their life and using funds to find temporary housing, send their kids back to school and replace household items.
Photo by Katie Wilkes/American Red Cross
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November 18, 2019. Nassau, Bahamas. American Red Cross worker, Johnny Etienne, explains how to use funds for Hurricane Dorian recovery to an evacuee on Nassau. Many families who survived the strongest storm to ever hit the Bahamas are beginning a new chapter in their life and using funds to find temporary housing, send their kids back to school and replace household items.
Photo by Katie Wilkes/American Red Cross
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October 17, 2019. Nassau, Bahamas.
Having just dropped her kids off at school with a sigh of relief, Carmel is near the front of the line eagerly awaiting the Red Cross supply distribution in her neighborhood to open.
She’s all smiles as she drives away with her clean up kit, kitchen supplies, water and tarps. “One more thing – can I give you a hug?” she asks a Red Cross worker. “Thank you, thank you.”
Photo by Katie Wilkes/American Red Cross
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October 6, 2019. Abaco, Bahamas.
Red Cross worker Marine helps distribute emergency relief supplies to residents of Abaco, Bahamas to help bridge the road to recovery.
Photo by Katie Wilkes/American Red Cross
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October 6, 2019. Abaco, Bahamas. On Abaco Island, the Red Cross provides emergency relief supplies including shelter repair kits, kitchen sets, blankets, tarpaulins, jerry cans, buckets, mosquito nets and hygiene supplies to families affected by Hurricane Dorian. Residents are helping family and friends pick of the pieces of their lives as they embark on the long road to recovery.
Photo by Katie Wilkes/American Red Cross
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September 5, 2019. Abaco, Bahamas. Hurricane Dorian Bahamas 2019.
Photo by Robyn-Ryann Barnett/Bahamas Red Cross
The American Red Cross supported people affected by Hurricane Dorian across multiple states. As flood waters receded and power was restored across the east coast, most people returned home. Support still continues for those who have been evacuated to the U.S. from the Bahamas.
More than 3,100 Red Cross disaster responders from across the country supported relief efforts. In preparation for this powerful storm, 110 emergency response vehicles and 109 tractor-trailer loads full of relief supplies, including cots, blankets, and 189,700 ready-to-eat meals, were mobilized near evacuation centers and at-risk communities.
Served over 189,700 meals and snacks with our partners
Provided over 38,000 overnight stays in shelters with partners
Sent approximately 350 blood products to ensure patients in Florida have access to lifesaving blood.
Provided 12,200 mental health and health contacts to provide support and care to evacuees
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August 31, 2019. Florida, Titusville.
American Red Cross volunteer Bob Wallace shares a moment with resident Robert Murphy (orange shirt) as he and his landlords, Jackie and Bruce Foster, board up windows in advance of Hurricane Dorian. Each of the boards had been carefully marked as to which window they should shutter, indicating that this was not the first storm for them to provide protection.
Photo by Daniel Cima/American Red Cross
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September 1, 2019. Orlando, Florida.
Early morning sees a flurry of activity as Red Cross senior staff make plans and coordinate to provide relief to people in the path of Hurricane Dorian.
Photo by Daniel Cima/American Red Cross
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September 1, 2019. Orlando, Florida.
American Red Cross worker Michelle Dally plays with 1-year-old Keelen, 6-year-old Victor, and 7-year-old Deshawa at the Red Cross evacuation center located at Evans High School while Len Green looks on. The families came to the evacuation center to escape the high winds and drenching rains expected from Hurricane Dorian, which is bearing down on Central Florida.
Photo by Daniel Cima/American Red Cross
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September 2, 2019. Orlando, Florida.
Deshawa, a 7-year-old resident of the evacuation shelter located at Evans High School, digs into his lunch. The meal consisted of a chicken sandwich (regular or spicy), chips, fruit, a slice of apple pie, and milk and/or water.
Photo by Daniel Cima/American Red Cross
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September 2, 2019. Orlando, Florida.
American Red Cross volunteer Lindsay Stroh teaches and sings a song about hurricanes with 7-year-old Tessiyah at the Red Cross evacuation center at Edgewater High School. The song is an original composition by Lindsay, is sung to the tune Good Night Irene, and teaches how hurricanes form, the difference between hurricanes and typhoons, and what to bring to a shelter when a hurricane is coming. Tessiyah is a resident at the shelter along with her mother Tasharay and 2-year-old sister Antoine.
Photo by Daniel Cima/American Red Cross
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September 2, 2019. Orlando, Florida.
American Red Cross volunteer Tom Quinn plays a vigorous game of catch with some of the younger residents of the evacuation shelter located at Evans High School. Tom started volunteering as a disaster responder with the Red Cross about 5 years ago after retiring from an engineering position with Goodyear. Last year he deployed for three weeks to Saipan. “I love working in shelters and helping people,” Said Tom.
Photo by Daniel Cima/American Red Cross
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September 3, 2019. Kissimmee, Florida.
American Red Cross volunteer Bob Wallace chats with Virginia Marciniak, a shelter resident at the St Cloud Senior Center. Seeing his Red Cross vest, Virginia offered a hand and took great delight in sharing with Bob that she grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota and attended Clara Barton Elementary School, named after the founder of the American Red Cross.
Photo by Daniel Cima/American Red Cross
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September 3, 2019. Kissimmee, Florida.
American Red Cross volunteer Teddy Rhamy shares a few minutes with Philomena DeNardo, a 91-year-old shelter resident at the St Cloud Senior Center. Teddy, a resident of Comanche, Oklahoma, deployed to Florida to assist shelter residents who were in the path of Hurricane Dorian. In the four years Teddy has been a Red Cross volunteer, he has deployed to more than 20 disasters.
Photo by Daniel Cima/American Red Cross
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