"Haiti is extremely vulnerable to natural hazards with more than 90 percent of the population at risk. On October 4, 2016, Hurricane Matthew, the most devastating disaster since the 2010 earthquake, battered Haiti’s southern peninsula, causing damage equivalent to 32% of GDP. One third of hospitals in that region were affected, more than 500 schools were destroyed, and the losses in agriculture, fishing, and livestock had
​a long-term impact on the livelihood of the affected communities." --The World Bank

INFRASTRUCTURE

Just as clean water is key to good health, infrastructure is the foundation of development. Access to basic needs stimulates countless possibility. Rural Haiti is still struggling for fundamental "gifts" that the developed world takes for granted. FBR makes resources available to modify some of their need.

Roads

Lack of maintenance of the unpaved roads surrounding B-R make travel in the area increasingly difficult and ultimately threatens to isolate the community. With FBR support, community leaders have purchased materials and organized volunteer work parties to reverse the affects
of erosion keeping these critical connections passable.

Electricity

Solar power at the community center offers the B-R community its first and only consistent source of electricity. Just having light in a large space offers this community a significant extension to the day. It facilitates computer classes, meetings, trainings, and entertainment such as television and the Sunday evening movie.

Light

The Nokero (no-kero) solar light bulb is designed to replace kerosene lamps  which are still prevalent in Haiti. It provides enough light to read by and can be charged from the sun every day. The opportunity to read at night increases a student's ability to learn. The lights are an affordable alternative for a population which does not have access to electricity.  

Public Space

The community center is a two-story, 3,400 sq. ft. structure includes an auditorium, kitchen, library, classrooms, meeting rooms, guest quarters, and a walk-out roof.
​It is a place for gathering, celebration, learning and entertainment. The building has become an essential "home base" for practically every local initiative.

Miracles Happen

In late 2019 the government began a project to rebuild the road leading into B-R. The steep incline (which starts with a river crossing) challenges pedestrians and defies motor vehicles without 4WD. Although progress has been slow, work continues in fits and starts. If completed, the project will represent
an unprecedented government-funded improvement and recognition that this village actually belongs to a larger political entity.