A place to call home: Grand Bahama rallies around ‘Bubbles’

For Roger Rolle, affectionately known as “Bubbles,” a safe place to sleep, a warm meal and people who care have become a new reality, thanks to a community that refused to let him be forgotten.

The Grand Bahama fixture, who had been living on the streets and sleeping behind a hospital, is now receiving care at The Burrows care home after friends and supporters rallied to raise funds for his accommodation and medical needs.

A GoFundMe campaign was launched with a $10,000 goal to help Rolle, who is blind, unwell and living with lymphedema, a condition that causes swelling and discomfort in his legs. The fundraiser had collected more than $3,000 at the time of the update.

In a heartfelt message, organiser Ewa Tyleka Mellor announced that Bubbles had secured a place at the care home for the next few months.

“We are so happy to share some wonderful news! Bubbles is now safely in The Burrows care home. He finally has a place to sleep, food to eat, and people around him who are looking after him,” she said.

For someone who had been sleeping behind a hospital with nowhere to turn, Mellor described the development as a “life-changing beginning.”

The original fundraiser painted a heartbreaking picture of Rolle’s circumstances, detailing his lack of housing and family support, and the indignities he reportedly endured while living on the streets.

The campaign appealed for assistance to provide accommodation, food, clothing, personal essentials and medical care, basic necessities that everyone deserves.

While securing a place at the care home represents a significant step forward, Mellor stressed that Bubbles’ needs have not ended.

He still requires ongoing medical attention, clothing, personal supplies and help with daily expenses.

The community’s generosity has also brought moments of joy. In a separate update, Mellor shared that supporters surprised Bubbles with a birthday cake at his new home.

“It’s an incredibly emotional day for everyone, and seeing him smile means more than words can express,” she said.

She thanked everyone who donated, shared his story and offered support, while encouraging the public to continue contributing.

For Bubbles, the impact of the campaign goes beyond a fundraising total. It is the reassurance of having somewhere safe to sleep, people looking after him and a community willing to stand up for his dignity.

“You have given him something very special: hope, safety, and the feeling that he is not forgotten,” Mellor wrote.

The fundraising effort continues, with supporters hoping to reach the $10,000 target to help ensure Bubbles receives the ongoing care and stability he needs.