01/04/2005

Grenada Relief Effort

We met with local pastors and with several contractors and conducted a physical inspection of 38 homes and two churches that were damaged or destroyed. 

Our goal is to see these homes rebuilt or repaired, and our survey process included a board by board analysis of the required building materials to achieve that goal. We are seeking donations of large quantities of plywood, lumber and roofing, and that which is not donated will be purchased at wholesale prices, loaded and shipped. 

Once in Grenada, the materials will be transferred from the port of St. Georges to a yard that we have secured, and will be guarded and overseen by a local materials manager retained by Men of Vision for this project. Materials will be released only when the site and foundation are ready for immediate construction. Construction of each home must be completed within ten days of release of materials and our materials manager will be taking pictures of the completed homes, with the family of the occupants in the photo, to be forwarded immediately to Men of Vision. 

In addition to the homes and churches that we are rebuilding, Men of Vision will be assisting the general population in whatever way we can, with a continued focus on reconstruction. We are working with an engineer, Dr. Keith Braveboy, who has been coordinating relief and rebuilding efforts in a most humanitarian and systematic manner. Dr. Braveboy has provided lists of materials that would be of huge assistance in their efforts to obtain minimal shelters for their people.