By Mae Agna | Development Director
Love City Strong was formed in direct response to the catastrophic impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017. In the aftermath of these back-to-back Category 5 storms, our organization emerged as a vital, grassroots lifeline for the residents of St. John.
Over the past several years, Love City Strong has played an indispensable role in the long-term disaster recovery of St. John, with a central emphasis on critical home repairs and structural rebuilds for high-risk and vulnerable community members. For many low-income families, elderly residents, and individuals with disabilities, traditional recovery options remain out of reach. Love City Strong bridges this gap by ensuring that those most at risk receive the structural assistance necessary to live safely and securely.
To make housing recovery faster, more cost-effective, and more environmentally sustainable, Love City Strong is actively expanding its Resilient Housing Initiative to test innovative construction methodologies.
Our current focus centers on integrating alternative building options—specifically BAUHU modular systems alongside complementary techniques such as Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF). By piloting these techniques on St. John, we aim to address long-standing island construction challenges:
-Expedited Timelines: Modular designs allow us to streamline on-site assembly, significantly reducing the overall duration of construction compared to traditional concrete masonry.
-Cost Efficiency & Reduced Labor: Exploring modular models enables us to identify less labor-intensive, budget-friendly avenues for high-quality housing reconstruction.
-Structural Resilience: Designed to meet stringent structural requirements, these models offer exceptional wind resistance and durability against future extreme weather events.
-Data-Driven Scaling: While island logistics present unique shipping and site preparation demands, the performance data gathered from this initial build will provide invaluable insights for future disaster relief and community development initiatives across the Caribbean.
We are excited to report that construction on our first BAUHU modular home is progressing steadily. This project is on track to be completed within the next few months.
For the local family receiving this home, the rebuild represents the end of an arduous journey that began when Hurricane Irma severely compromised their living conditions in 2017. Returning this family to a safe, climate-resilient, and accessible structure before the height of the upcoming storm season is a milestone that embodies the heart of our mission.
This vital work would not be possible without the unwavering support of our partner network and donor community.
GlobalGiving: We extend our sincere gratitude to GlobalGiving for providing the global platform that amplifies our mission and connects us with passionate supporters around the world.
Our Donors: To our current supporters, thank you for your generous investment in the safety and future of St. John residents. To prospective donors considering joining our mission, your contributions directly fund the implementation of sustainable, disaster-resilient housing solutions that restore dignity and security to families in need.
Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient St. John.
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