Hurricane Dorian Relief--Freeport Family

I have relatives throughout several Bahamian islands--primarily Nassau, Grand Bahama, and Exuma, where I spent my child hood. Each time there is news of a hurricane, I pray they remain safe.  I received news last Wednesday they were safe in Freeport (Grand Bahama), the only island of the three that was ravaged by Dorian. However, the hurricane left behind, after its almost 48-hour relentless assault, packing winds up to 200 mph, devastation of historic proportions the residents have never witnessed. I asked my cousin, Barbara, what I could do to help, feeling helpless.  She suggested that I start a Go Fund Me page.

I am doing so, because worrying about how they are doing is not enough. Praying--as powerful a gesture as it is--does not seem enough, while they go without power, water, and, certainly, sufficient food. The extent of human suffering and devastation demand that I share a bit in their suffering, and try to do whatever I could to ameliorate the devastation, by taking steps to meet their immediate needs. The photo, is what is left of one of my cousin's home, which Barbara says depicts how many of the homes in Freeport look after Dorian.

I am asking you to give whatever you can to this Go Fund Me page to help my family members who are in urgent need of assistance. Please join me in being a blessing in whatever way you could. Any size donation would be appreciated, and would reach them without delay. 

Thank you for taking the time to share what is in your heart. I am grateful for your contributions to help my beloved family members in their time of need.

Blessings to you,

Venola M. Rolle
Washington, D. C.

P.S. Below is a communication I received from my cousin, Barbara's son:

Good Evening Aunt Venola, 

Here is the detail that I originally had  on the Go Fund me Page. You can edit it if you wish. Let me know if you require additional information.

" Strength doesn't come from what you can do, Strength comes from overcoming the things you thought you couldn't." unknown

First of all I want to thank you all for your prayers, phone calls, voice notes, text messages, emails, Facebook,  and video calls. We Survived the nightmare of a hurricane known as Dorian. We were blustered by winds steady up to 185 mph winds and gusts at 220 mph in addition to being  swamped by flooding for three days straight. Never in the History of Grand Bahama have we seen such devastation.   But in all things we thank GOD for life as many of our fellow Bahamians were not as lucky. We are now in the recovery and restore phase. Ample Food and water and clothing are being supplied by various for profit and non profit organizations.  The water in my neighborhood was waist deep, 2 feet of which made it inside my home as such we are looking at an almost complete gut of the entire house. All Wood Furniture Kitchen Cabinetry, bed frames, wood flooring, hollow core doors, Bathroom Vanities, Desks, dressers night stands.  Electrical Outlets. Sheet Rock Replacement up four feet to stop the spread of mold. The sofa, couches and settees  have already begun to mold.  Carpets have to be removed and various Appliances have already begun to rust because of the salt water.  
We have made a concerted effort to save and salvage what we can but the house is not in a livable condition and as such we are living with family.  During my conversations many of you have asked how you can help or assist I figured this would simplify the process. Whatever you can donate would be greatly appreciated. We thank you in advance for your kind donation.

Neko Grant, Jr.