NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A Hope Town non-profit has secured major funding for two restoration projects: its primary school and medical clinic.
Hope Town United (HTU) announced it has received $500,000, and all the steel needed to rebuild the primary school from the Jones family, owners of Nova Steel, Inc.
The medical clinic will be rebuilt and full funded by Mark Bailey Sr, Hope Town Rising, and Jason Barrett, CEO of Flagler Health+ has committed to collaborate as a sister hospital and provide ongoing support for the clinic.
HTU said it has received approval from the Ministry of Health to lead the effort to rebuild the clinic.
“Prior to Hurricane Dorian, the Hope Town Primary School provided schooling for 70 preschool to sixth grade students on Elbow Cay,” read a recent press release.
“HTU recently received approval from the Minister of Education to lead this rebuilding project. Working with the school’s principal, engineers, and architects, the goal is to preserve some of the historic structures of the school while building a facility that can be used as a storm shelter.
“Getting the children of Elbow Cay back to school is an essential step toward restoring the island to normalcy.
The medical clinic project will be driven by a community steering committee, the release said, “that will work with architects, engineers, and builders to ensure that the clinic has more modern capabilities as well as adding a second floor to the facility”.
Matt Winslow, HTU Chairman said hurricane recovery will not be easy, but the group is energized and ready to lead the effort to rebuild a “more environmentally-sustainable and resilient Hope Town”.
“Working with community leaders and partner organizations, we are bringing infrastructure and innovation to the island,” he continued.
Scott Jones, Nova Steel, said: “Schools are the heart of every community, a place where ideas and opportunity take flight.
“That’s why we’re so pleased to do our part to help bring the Hope Town community back to life. We’ve made it a family priority, and Nova Steel is making it a company priority, to make sure we rebuild Hope Town stronger and better than ever,” Jones added.
HTU is the economic engine leading the restoration of Elbow Cay following Hurricane Dorian, according to the release.
HTU’s focus is to restore the historic public structures, small businesses, and residential homes, while also engaging global engineering experts to design and construct the most resilient and environmentally-sustainable island infrastructure in the world.
“An international fundraising campaign to support near-term recovery needs and the immediate restoration of critical public buildings such as the clinic and school,” the release continued.
“The creation of innovative, blended finance structures and impact investment vehicles for the construction of a modernized, environmentally-sustainable infrastructure and the reconstruction of locally-owned businesses and residential homes.”
For those who wish to make a donation and contribute to the rebuilding efforts, please visit www.hopetownunited.org/.
