Three Bridge Budget
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Donations made here will be directly allocated for The Ember Bridge Project.
$4,210 raised
13 donations
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One time
Monthly
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Mail checks to:
The Human Collective Foundation
1648 White Owl Road
Fleming Island, FL 32003
nonprofit foundation EIN 85- 3442018
UPDATE: SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2025
EMBER BRIDGE COMPLETION!
An ember in the darkness...
Fighting for basic human needs and human rights for a forgotten and neglected people group.
In 2022, Retired Commander Seabee Joe Charles embarked on a two-year journey to engineer a bridge that would not only connect communities but also save lives. His vision became reality with The Ember Bridge, a project designed to provide critical access to essential resources for remote areas. The bridge, which serves the Ngäbe-Buglé tribe, facilitates healthcare, education, and economic opportunity, ultimately transforming the lives of countless individuals. Joe’s dedication to engineering a solution that would make a lasting impact is a testament to the power of innovation and service to those in need.
Ngabe-Bugle Reservation Comarca, Panama
Currently:
11 deaths per year crossing the river:
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Impassable 3 months/year due to high flow rate.
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Unpredictable 8 months/year due to flash floods.
***Another death only one week after completion of the first bridge...too many...let's go!
Seven villages use three river crossings as only means of:
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Life Essentials: part of 18-mile hike to closest road.
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Medicine: No medical assistance in over two years due to how isolated they are.
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School: Teachers hike in 18-miles from off reservation and children hike across the river to get to the school.
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Church: Locals are led thru witchcraft, basic necessities listed above are portrayed as evil. Local pastor hikes across this river to minister.
Local teenage girls are trafficked/abused and abandoned pregnant.
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Access to education, medicine, and ministry are the leading action to reduce human trafficking.
Ember Bridge will:
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Eliminate deaths and accidents.
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Prevent/reduce human trafficking and sexual abuse.
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Increase continuous access for education, medicine, community.
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Increase life expectancy and quality of life.
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Create a sense of independence and hope for the local community.
First of three Suspended Bridge Costs:
(projected)
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Materials: $100k
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Tools: $5k
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Logistics: $150k
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Total: + contingency = $300k
(actual)
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Materials: $90k spent
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Tools: $20k spent
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Logistics: $65k spent
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Local Pay: $35k spent
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Total: $210k spent;
Total Raised: $170k!!!
Thank you!!!
Remaining Loan: $40k
The Design
We conducted the site visit and investigation, taking all measurements necessary; then utilized the help/advice from Engineers In Action and their bridge design manual, finalized the design, prepared a tool and material list, prepared the cost estimate, and got to work! Special thanks to Engineers in Action, Legacy for printing the plans, and our friend Kaela for laminating them!
Projected Construction Schedule
Bridge #1 of 3
(with projected costs)
Actual Construction Schedule
Bridge #1 of 3
(live updates to reflect ongoing progress)
Actual Logistics
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Drive to Orlando, FL (3 hrs)
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Fly in to Panama City, Panama (3.5 hrs)
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Drive to Santiago, Panama (4 hrs)
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Heli to village, weather permitting (1 hr)
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House/office tent out of local church
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1.5 mile hike to bridge site (1 hr)
Anticipated Logistics
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Fly in to David, Panama
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Drive to Santiago, Panama (2.5 hrs)
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All materials and personnel will helicopter in to the closest village (40 min)
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House/office out of local church
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1.5 mile hike to bridge site (1 hr)
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