1. What happened during the construction of the community center?

During construction, part of the roof collapsed while concrete was being poured. Thankfully, no one was injured. We immediately launched an investigation to determine the cause and ensure safety going forward.

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2. Why did the roof collapse?

Preliminary reports suggest that a compromised wood support pole used in temporary construction failed during the concrete pour. We are working with structural engineers and construction experts to complete a thorough investigation.

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3. Was anyone injured during the incident?

No, we are relieved to report that no one was injured during the incident. Safety measures were in place to protect workers, and we will continue prioritizing safety as we move forward.

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4. How are you ensuring the safety of the building going forward?

After the incident, we took immediate action to ensure the building's long-term safety:

• Hired a licensed structural engineer

• Reinforced four existing columns

• Added three new structural columns

• Completed all recommended upgrades and approvals

The structure is now strong, secure, and ready for the roof.

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5. What is the timeline for rebuilding or fixing the roof?

We anticipate that rebuilding could begin within 90 days, with a target completion date of March, 2026.

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6. Will the community center be safe when completed?

Yes, we are committed to ensuring that the community center will meet the highest safety standards. We are taking additional precautions to guarantee that the building will be safe for everyone who uses it.

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7. How will this affect the organization’s other programs and services?

Our programs and services will continue uninterrupted. The incident does not affect our ability to serve the community, and we remain focused on our mission while addressing this issue.

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8. How much of the donations have been used, and how will additional funds be allocated?

To date, 100% of donations for the community center have been used for construction. Moving forward, all donations will be allocated toward ensuring the project is completed safely and efficiently. We remain committed to financial transparency throughout this process.

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9. Who is responsible for the collapse, and will anyone be held accountable?

While we don’t yet have formal conclusions, early observations suggest the temporary support structure used during the concrete pour may not have been sufficient. Several parties were involved in the process, and we are reviewing each role to understand what contributed to the failure. Our priority is learning from this incident and ensuring stronger safety and oversight as we rebuild.

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10. Will an investigation be conducted?

Yes. We are continuing a careful review with all parties involved in the project to fully understand what happened and what factors contributed to the collapse. While the Dominican Republic does not have a formal forensic process for this type of incident, we are gathering all available information to guide our next steps. The findings will help ensure stronger practices, improved safety measures, and better controls as we rebuild. 

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11. How can I donate or help with the rebuilding efforts?

We appreciate your support! You can donate directly via our Community Center Campaign page or contact Adam at adam@inspiredr.org for alternative giving options. All funds will go toward completing the community center and ensuring it is a safe and welcoming space for all. 

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12. How can I stay informed about the progress of the community center?

We will provide regular updates through our website, email newsletters, and social media channels. Sign up for our mailing list to receive the latest news and progress reports (find in the footer).

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