USVI HURRICANE UPDATE - ST. THOMAS & ST. JOHN (December 2018)
CURRENT ACTIVITIES (RESPONSE & RECOVERY) Volunteers on St. John and St. Thomas continue to work hard to bring relief in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. We’re transitioning into recovery phase to bring lasting strength back to the islands. St. John ● Recovery efforts are in full swing on St. John, as volunteers have completed three rebuild sites. As we continue assessments of damaged homes on the island, the rebuild teams are staying busy repairing and rebuilding home interiors and roofs. ● Cleaning and clearing, as well as sanitization and debris removal, continue on St. John as the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria still weighs on the community. St. Thomas ● We have completed work on the second building at Little Blossom Daycare! Volunteers have cleared and sanitized the interior, followed by a full interior retrofit. We repaired the roof to be hurricane resilient by installing hurricane ties and new galvalume. The daycare was finished with a fresh coat of paint, so the children can return to their after-school program at Little Blossom 2. ● At Alvin McBean Park, volunteers are repairing fencing around the ballpark, tennis courts, basketball court, and batting cages, making it possible for kids to play safely in the park. ● The local Youth Development Academy is a space where young adults can spend time learning martial arts and utilizing the music studio. AHAH volunteers are currently installing the second layer of drywall to soundproof the music studio so that students can return to the center to record.
Left: Volunteers prepare the ceiling for drywall that will cover the insulation at building #2 of Little Blossom Daycare. Right: The interior of completed Little Blossom, with fresh floor, walls, windows, and ceiling!