Bahamas Hurricane Dorian Relief & Volunteering
Category 5 Hurricane Dorian struck the Bahamas on the 1st September and has turned into one of the worst natural disasters any country has ever suffered.
Due to heavy rainfall, high winds, and a storm surge, damage in the Bahamas was devastating. Over 50 people have been confirmed dead whilst hundreds of people are still missing. The UN estimate over 70,000 people have been made homeless.
Thousands of homes and buildings have been destroyed with damage caused estimated to be in the billions.
Donate
One of the best ways to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian is to donate to a local or international charity. Charity Navigator has a list of reputable charities that are help people in the Bahamas which are in need of donations.
Volunteer
U.S. based charity, All Hands and Hearts have a response team on the ground, in The Bahamas, working to identify specific areas to focus efforts to best support the long road to recovery. Their team are coordinating with the local government and other non-profits in Nassau to determine where in Great Abaco, Grand Bahama and the surrounding islands their unique volunteer model can be most effective. Check our All Hands and Hearts Bahamas Hurricane Dorian Relief Program to volunteer to help support hurricane relief efforts.
A Guide to Volunteering in Bahamas
The Bahamas is small in size but there are some of the most stunning scenery and beaches in the world here. By volunteering you can do more than just your average holiday and make a genuine difference. There are inspiring volunteer projects where you can help communities, wildlife, marine conservation and the environment. The hard part will be having to leave!
Location of Projects
Projects are located in the capital - Nassau and also remote coast areas. If you join wildlife conservation programs you might be working in Great Abaco and San Salvador Islands which are spectacular. You might also like to view our Cuba volunteer programs.
How You Can Help
There are lots of different projects available to international participants including:
Community Development Programs
The Bahamas has a population of around 350,000 people and around 10% of people live below the poverty line. Most of the country is very developed but in rural areas there is need for assistance improving infrastructure and facilities. NGO's organise group programs where you can help with building new structures like community centres, improve housing or do general tasks like paining and decorating. There are also land based projects where you can work in a local school educating youngsters whilst also getting to live in a tropical paradise learning more about the culture and tradition of the country.
Wildlife & Conservation Projects
There are lots of land based and marine conservation programs you can join in the Bahamas, some are skilled positions but most are open to all people. Marine based programs are very popular where you will get to go swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving to monitor coral reefs and wildlife. Some projects include helping the local Bahamas National Trust creating protected areas and keeping this destination as intact as possible.
Working with whales and dolphins can be really worthwhile, you can help protect these amazing animals whilst creating a safe environment for them to live. Tasks can include helping local scientists collecting data, monitoring/surveying, tracking and creating cleaning oceans through beach clean ups and rubbish collection. There are also coral reef restoration programs where you will get to swim in clear waters monitoring the ocean and finding ways to better preserve coral and marinelife going forward.
How to Apply
Programs usually come part of a package which include placements, training, in-country support, support, meals, insurance, accommodation, transfers and also onsite equipment, excursions and permits. The price can depend on the project and also the the time you would like to join for, generally prices start from around £250 ($500) for 2 weeks but longer term programs can also be joined. You will need to pay for flights.
The Bahamas is one of the most beautiful locations in the whole of the Caribbean, this is definitely a luxury voluntourism destination and prices are higher here but you will get more value in nearby countries. It can be difficult to volunteer for free or even find paid positions unless you are actually leading groups. If you are looking to experience this country on a budget try to avoid expensive restaurants in the hot spot touristy areas.
Most volunteering projects can be joined for 1-2 weeks but there are also longer term placements available depending on how much time you have spare.
