J.L. Wallace has donated a van to help transport construction materials to Bahamas Habitat home sites.

“I know this van will be used to help repair many homes in the Bahamas and improve the quality of life for many families,” said Jerry Wallace, president of J.L. Wallace Inc. “I feel the Bahamas Habitat is a purposeful mission, and I am grateful for the time the volunteers put in to helping others.”

After Hurricane Andrew hit the Bahamas in 1992 many houses were destroyed and still need repair. Others have fallen into disrepair because owners can’t afford upkeep. The nonprofit Bahamas Habitat nonprofit was organized in response to the disaster impact of the hurricane and has since been rebuilding and repairing damaged homes.

During regular mission’s trips to the Bahamas, volunteers including Wallace and other local business leaders help build new homes and make major repairs to existing homes with significant damage.

“We owe much of our success to businesses like J.L. Wallace who believe in our mission and are willing to help,” said Dan Markle, co-founder and construction manager for Bahamas Habitat. “With their support we are more efficient and can help more families.”

Other local businesses are involved as well. David Sims with Henderson Franklin Attorneys at Law serves on the board and participates in missions trips. Firestone recently donated work to make modifications to the van donated by J.L. Wallace. And Washco Laundry made a contribution toward new washing machines for missioners to use during trips.