The Bahamas Methodist Habitat communicated on Tuesday, October 13th, 2015 that they are appealing this week for help from the general public to assist in their efforts to acquire urgently needed items to create “Disaster Cleanup Kits” for their first phase of repairing and rebuilding damaged homes in the aftermath of hurricane Joaquin.

Rev. Henry Knowles, Board of Directors Chairman with the Bahamas Methodist Habitat stated,  “When Hurricane Joaquin flooded the family island communities, it spread water contaminated with sewerage from overrun cesspits and decaying organic matter through homes and property. This compounds the usual mold infestation in homes from water damage. The kits will be distributed to each home within the affected communities. The Disaster Clean Up Kits is our first phase before we begin home repairs in the communities next week.”

Mr. Knowles commented further, saying,  “We have been doing this in the aftermath of every hurricane that impacted the Bahamas since 1993… Our goal is to focus on our strength – facilitating and coordinating volunteer work teams to repair and rebuild damaged homes.”

He said that people could help in three ways: 

  • Make financial donations to Bahamas Methodist Habitat to use in the best way possible for the distressed communities.
  • Donate items needed to create Hurricane/Disaster Cleanup Kits. These kits will be distributed to each house-hold in the affected communities. Items may be dropped off in Nassau to Epworth Hall on Shirley Street, and in Eleuthera to Camp Symonette in James’ Cistern. We will assemble them on October 17, 2015. Volunteers are needed to assist.   Other Urgent items are: Tarps, generators and pillows.
  • Create volunteer work teams who will journey with BMH to repair homes in the affected communities.

The Chairman described the necessary contents of the Cleanup Kit as follows: “The Household Disaster Cleanup Bucket Kit contains standard items needed to clean and disinfect a home following water damage due to hurricanes, floods, and other household disasters. You may donate a complete kit, contents or cash equivalent for kits.”

 Cleanup Bucket Content ($90.00 value)

  • 5-Gallon Bucket with lid (new or completely cleaned used)
  • 1/2 gallon Bleach
  • Liquid Laundry Detergent – One 50oz or two 25oz bottle(s) only
  • Liquid Household Cleaner – 12oz to16oz liquid
  • Antibacterial Dish Detergent – 16oz to 28oz bottle, any brand.
  • 1 can Air Freshener – aerosol or pump
  • 1 Insect Repellant – 6oz to 9oz aerosol or spray pump
  • 1 Scrub Brush – plastic or wooden handle
  • 18 Cleaning Wipes – Handi Wipes or reusable wipes
  • 7 Sponges – assorted sizes
  • 5 Scouring Pads – No stainless steel, Brillo pads or SOS pads
  • 50 Clothespins
  • Clothesline – One 100-ft or two 50-ft lines
  • Heavy Duty Trash Bags – 30 gallon or larger size
  • 2 Pairs Latex Gloves
  • 1 pair Work Gloves – cotton with leather palm or all leather.

Drop Off Locations are:

  • In ELEUTHERA at Camp Symonette in James’ Cistern
  • In NASSAU: Epworth Hall on Shirley Street

 before October 17, 2015.

 Mr. Knowles further said that, “Bahamas Methodist Habitat is active and working towards bringing hope and help to the devastated southern islands. We are in continual dialogue with NEMA, local private disaster relief groups and UMCOR, the disaster relief arm of the United Methodist Church, to strategize our response to Hurricane Joaquin… BMH has adopted UMCOR’s practice of “Do No Harm” which means we want to avoid setting up patterns of dependency or preventing local economic growth from quickly returning to the communities. Under the leadership of our new Executive Director, Mr. John Shughart, Methodist Habitat remains committed to its mandate: “Relieving Disaster, Promoting Community.”

He also noted that donors should not send apparel, stating, “Please do not send clothing. Clothing and shoes will not be accepted.”