IMPACT NEWSLETTER
SUMMER/FALL 2024
SEPTEMBER 5, 2024
REMAINING READY TO RESPOND
All Hands and Hearts (AHAH) has had an extraordinary year of impact. By early September, we have responded to multiple disasters by launching relief programs across the U.S., the Caribbean and Brazil. Beyond these immediate efforts, AHAH remains determined in our long-term commitment to communities in Mexico, Nepal and the Philippines, which are still recovering from past disasters. We are dedicated to ensuring students can return to safe schools to continue their education, offering hope and stability where it’s needed most.
Take a look at the impact that we have created together, since our last update.
RESPONDING TO HURRICANE BERYL’S DESTRUCTION
This year, record-breaking disasters have struck globally.
In early July, Hurricane Beryl, the earliest recorded Category 5 Atlantic storm, wreaked havoc across the Caribbean and Texas. The storm displaced thousands in the Caribbean, destroying 98% of homes in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and caused widespread flooding and power outages in Texas.
AHAH’s Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) arrived in Grenada on July 9, prioritizing vulnerable communities and collaborating with partners such as World Central Kitchen to distribute food to 80,000 people before departing on August 9. We also cleared debris from over 25 homes, impacting nearly 50 people. In Texas, our team assisted over 50 community members by removing fallen trees, hazardous debris and mucking and gutting homes.
RESPONDING TO UNPRECEDENTED FLOODING
VERMONT
In July 2023, severe flooding caused catastrophic damage in the northeast region of Vermont. Exactly one year later, intense storms brought even more rain and deadly flash floods to the same area. Thanks to our successful efforts and strong community ties, AHAH returned to assist in the latest cleanup and recovery efforts, where we completed home muck and guts and distributed dehumidifiers and fans to residents.
FLORIDA
In mid-June, a tropical disturbance hit Southern Florida, leading to severe flooding in the region and damaging at least 815 homes. Our team in Florida responded immediately to this crisis, working on mucking and gutting homes, and distributing fans and dehumidifiers donated by LASKO, as well as over 200 WASH kits, donated by The WASH Foundation. Our primary response of 1.5 weeks and distribution efforts impacted over 190 individuals affected by these floods.
BRAZIL
In late April 2024, extreme flooding struck South Brazil, displacing over 600,000 people. Our DART team responded swiftly, providing immediate relief by assisting with extensive mud removal, cleanup efforts and coordinating volunteers. We have collaborated with other organizations to maximize our impact in the region. AHAH committed to staying until the end of September, launching a volunteer program to support our efforts. To date, we’ve impacted over 9,000 people by mucking, gutting and sanitizing mold in 55 homes, building over 500 beds and distributing thousands of meals.
WRAPPING UP IN POLAND AND UKRAINE
From July 2022 to May 2024, AHAH supported over 75,000 people displaced by the war in Ukraine. Over 500 volunteers rehabilitated shelters and centers, while offering psychosocial support through art sessions and English clubs. In Western Ukraine, AHAH impacted over 2,000 people by August 2024. The program rehabilitated over 20 dormitory rooms, five blocks and two apartments, while also providing ongoing psychosocial support, including over 250 English club sessions.
Learn more about our Ukraine Crisis Relief program in Poland in the video.
ENDURING COMMITMENT
HAWAII – ONE YEAR ON
In August 2023, devastating wildfires in Maui, Hawaii displaced 4,500 people. Over a year later, AHAH remains on the ground, supporting local organizations with resource distribution and meal preparation.
We are committed to community-driven solutions and have launched a new initiative focused on debris removal. Our team is helping local property owners clear wildfire debris to ease the burden of cleanup and rebuilding efforts. So far, AHAH has directly impacted over 19,000 people.
FLORIDA HURRICANE IAN – TWO YEARS ON
Nearly two years after Hurricane Ian’s devastation, which displaced nearly 10,000 people in Florida, AHAH remains dedicated to serving those impacted. Despite a relentless cycle of new disasters, our commitment to supporting affected communities persists long after the headlines have faded and attention shifts to the next crisis.
Within two years, our team has positively impacted over 1,600 people through debris removal, mucking and gutting and other vital home repairs. Collaborating with organizations, such as the Red Cross, allowed us to significantly broaden our reach and provide crucial assistance to those in greatest need. In September, we will conclude this recovery program, leaving over 240 homes restored following Hurricane Ian.
EDUCATION FOR ALL
Disasters often leave students with prolonged school closures and unsafe temporary classrooms. AHAH combats this challenge through our Education For All Fund, directing donations towards rebuilding conducive, safe and disaster-resilient schools. We’ve completed 356 schools, providing over 121,000 students with secure, beautiful and long-term learning environments. Take a look at this report to learn more.
CONTINUED DEDICATION IN NEPAL AND THE PHILIPPINES
From December 2023 to April 2024, AHAH worked in Bhanu Municipality, Nepal, to address educational disruptions from the 2015 earthquakes by rebuilding Shree Bhanubhakta Secondary School. Our 29th school project in Nepal features disaster-resilient materials and a safe learning environment for over 270 students. We also installed WASH facilities, provided community training on Disaster Resilience and Child Protection, and trained four local women as masons to enhance job opportunities.
In Southern Leyte, the Philippines, AHAH is rebuilding Mahayag Elementary School, providing four disaster-resilient classrooms for 90 students, multiple WASH facilities and community training facilitated by our partners Streetlight and Base Bahay. For the first time in the Philippines, we are training four female masons! We are expanding our commitment to safe educational environments by rehabilitating an additional school, building four additional classrooms, which will benefit 105 more students.
RESTORING ACCESS TO EDUCATION IN MEXICO
In July, AHAH began its ninth disaster-resilient school rebuild in Puebla, working in Mexico’s CONAFE school system to create safe learning environments for 86 students, including two daycare and kindergarten classrooms, WASH facilities, a playground and community trainings.
We’re also addressing the damage from Hurricane Otis in Acapulco, Mexico, which affected over 369 schools. Working with local contractors, we are restoring six schools in Coyuca de Benitez. We’ve completed two, benefitting 150 students and 22 teachers, with four more schools in progress.
Learn more about our work responding to Hurricane Otis in Mexico and our Nepal Earthquake Relief program in the videos below.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Become a Builder! The Builders are a dedicated group of monthly donors who play a crucial role in supporting our work. By becoming a Builder, you provide hope and aid to disaster-affected communities, helping us arrive swiftly and remain until the job is done.
Donate today! Support us in continuing to make a difference worldwide, donate now.
Volunteer with us! One of the most effective ways to support our efforts is by joining us on a program! Volunteering provides valuable skill-building opportunities and contributes directly to disaster recovery, positively impacting everyone involved. To explore corporate volunteering opportunities, reach out to [email protected]
Become a Corporate Partner. Together we can collaborate to support communities most efficiently. To find out more contact: c[email protected]
Get in touch! For more information about how to get involved, please contact [email protected]
