We are now transitioning to help various vulnerable institutions get back on their feet. We are looking at more mid to long-term help and have begun this by doing assessments of each institution that we are working with in collaboration with other aid organizations to see what their long term needs are in terms of equipment, materials, construction and rebuilding.

We’ve held various meetings with stakeholders such as the St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF) to better collaborate our efforts in the rebuilding phase. Following these meetings, we have begun to visit other organizations that was suggested to us such as soup kitchens, afternoon school programs, pre-schools etc.

To help with the rebuilding, a contractor from the US has come in to volunteer his time alongside others to provide assistance with construction. Over the next few days, we will visit all the organizations with the contractor to consolidate the assessments and see what is needed to move forward. He looks to return with a team to help the foster homes and institutions on the island.

Finally, we made contact with various local and international organizations with the intent to supply building materials, equipment for this next stage.