Before there was a bridge, there was a neighborhood.
The Human Collective Foundation began in 2020 with a simple conviction: the people closest to a need are usually the ones who can meet it. Generation Hope is how that conviction looks in Clay County. We come alongside the social workers embedded in our school systems, the ones who know which child came to school without a coat and which family is one hard week away from losing everything, and we make sure they have what they need to help.
The work is quiet. It happens in guidance offices and car lines and church fellowship halls.
It has been happening since 2020, and it is not slowing down.
Bridge/Year Budget
$210k
Ember Bridge 1 completed July 2025!
Initial costs include government coordination, on-site training for locals, and unexpected logistical costs
$85k
Ember Bridge 2 completed April 2026!
Costs reduced due to efficiencies gained, utilized all local labor for hiking in materials instead of helicopters, and used only volunteer laborers.
$100k
Planned cost of Ember Bridge 3 and future bridges.
JULY 13, 2025
EMBER BRIDGE 1 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.
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!
Planned Construction Schedule
Bridge #1
Actual Construction Schedule
Bridge #1
Layout and Excavation
1 Week, Winter 2024 ($50k)
Layout and Excavation
4 Weeks, March and April
Foundation, Tiers, and Towers
3 Weeks, January 2025 ($100k)
Foundation, Tiers, and Towers
5 Weeks, March, April and May split with excavation and slowed by cement delivery
Anchors and Ramp Walls
1 Week, February 2025 ($100k)
Anchors and Ramp Walls
All of June
Cable Hoisting, Ramp Construction, Walkway
2 Weeks, March 2025 ($50k)
Cable Hoisting, Ramp Construction, Walkway
1 Week, July 2025
Completed!!!
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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