As we enter March, we’re proud to share the progress made on the rebuilding efforts in Murphy Town, Abaco, as part of our broader commitment to restoring the community after the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian. Three homes in Murphy Town have been a central focus of these efforts, with the goal of getting families back into their homes and rebuilding the heart of the community.

The work needed to restore these homes has been extensive, but thanks to the combined efforts of local contractors, volunteers, and community members, significant strides have been made. The damage left by Hurricane Dorian was widespread, leaving many families displaced and struggling to rebuild their lives. Now, after months of hard work, we are seeing the results that will help bring these families home.

Pictured Above: Two Many Hands IMPACT teams with a family whose home is being rebuilt. 

The restoration of these homes has involved a range of critical tasks, including siding, plumbing, electrical work, sheetrock installation, painting, roofing, and skim-coating walls. These are all essential steps in ensuring that these homes are safe, functional, and ready for families to move back in.

Siding replacement has been a major priority, as the homes need to be properly sealed to protect against further damage from the elements. The new siding will not only improve the appearance of these homes but also provide much-needed durability to withstand future storms. Plumbing and electrical systems have been carefully restored to ensure that everything is up to code and fully operational. This means that the families who return to these homes will have reliable access to water, electricity, and modern amenities.

Inside the homes, sheetrock installation and skim coating have been key to getting the interiors back to a livable state. These tasks have repaired the walls, ensuring they are smooth, secure, and ready for painting. Once painted, the homes will feel like new, providing a fresh start for the families who have waited so long to return.

Roofing work has also been crucial. Many of the homes in Murphy Town were left with roofs that were either partially or completely destroyed. With new roofing installed, the homes are now fully protected, ensuring that the families who return can live with peace of mind, knowing they are safe from the elements.

Pictured Above: Two Many Hands IMPACT teams with a family whose home is being rebuilt. 

The road to recovery for Murphy Town is still ongoing, but every step forward brings the community closer to a brighter future. These three homes are just the beginning, and we remain committed to supporting the rebuilding efforts throughout the area. It’s not just about restoring homes; it’s about restoring the spirit of the community, ensuring that families have the stability they need to rebuild their lives.

We are thankful for the incredible support of local contractors, volunteers, and partners who have worked tirelessly alongside the residents of Murphy Town to make this progress possible. Together, we are rebuilding not just homes, but a sense of hope and unity for the entire community. The journey is far from over, but with each day, we move closer to a fully restored Murphy Town, where families can return to the homes they deserve.

— Laura Johnson

Many Hands is an Iowa-based nonprofit creating local and global life transformation. Established in 2008, the organization aims to ignite generosity, grow community, and take people on IMPACT journeys to carve a new, better path to life. Each year, the organization reaches at least 25,000 people through its operations in the Caribbean, IMPACT Trips serving in Abaco, Bahamas, and Many Hands Thrift Markets located in Iowa.

Many Hands is called to transform together, to be love in action, in a broken world.