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More On Haiti
The big news from Haiti this morning is that a rescue crew pulled a 16 year old girl from under the rubble of a building that was destroyed 15 days ago. Meanwhile, this article continues, survivors are desperate for the breakthrough of food aid. Reports continue to suggest that the problem, at this time, is not a lack of aid; rather, it is the distribution of aid that is facing serious challenges. From receiving all that is being offered, to sorting and distributing over a broken infrastructure, to the challenges of setting up distribution centers, relief organizations, aid agencies, and the government have many structural and logistical hurdles to overcome.
afternoon update: Just found this npr post with a video of the rescue.
Meanwhile, Week of Compassion shares, “While it is true that the delivery of aid has been hampered by many factors, including infrastructure-related challenges, Week of Compassion can assure you that aid is reaching many of those who need it.” Aid is being distributed effectively through our mission partners and many agencies in that region that are supported through Week of Compassion giving. Week of Compassion participates directly in the ACT Alliance, an international ecumenical partnership, which offers this video highlighting their response:
After a Disaster
Over the past week, I have been a part of or heard about several similar conversations. They all start something like this: “My friend (or church or work) is collecting food (or clothes or medicine) to send to Haiti. They say it doesn’t matter what you give (or what condition it’s in or whether it’s used or even expired) because the people of Haiti have nothing right now. So anything we give will help.” Simply put: that’s just not true.
As well intentioned as most people are, now is not the time to clean out your pantry, your closet, or your medicine cabinet. The people of Haiti do not need your canned soup or the five or six water bottles in your fridge. They do not need your faded t-shirt and well worn jeans. They most certainly do not need your half-empty bottle of Tylenol or your medication that’s only a little past its expiration date. They do not need it, they do not want it, and, right now, such a “gift” will only make things worse. The best any of us can give, the most important thing that relief organizations need to provide the most help they can, is cash. Pick the charity of your choice, make sure it has an established presence in the affected region and has experience with disaster relief work, and give cash. Anything else at this time will only make the recovery more complicated. Unless and until established recovery organizations begin asking for other types of donations, do not send your cans of mixed veggies, your winter parka, or your arthritis medication.
And please, please, DO NOT go to the disaster zone. Unless you have specific skills that have been requested by a recovery organization, you are traveling with that organization, and you are able to bring in everything you need to meet your needs while there – food, water, bedding, etc. – stay home. Organize a fundraiser for earthquake survivors. Educate others on the importance of giving cash only. Pray for the people of Haiti. But do not go.
This feels redundant but it cannot be said enough. If you want to help the survivors of a disaster, send money. Week of Compassion is the funding ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) that focuses on disaster, development, and refugee needs. Week of Compassion has established relationships with organizations that are on the ground in Haiti. Best of all, 100% of gifts to the Week of Compassion earthquake fund will go help the people of Haiti. These gifts are already making a tremendous difference in a recovery that will last for years. The time will come for making other donations. For now, please pray for the people of Haiti. And give generously – just give cash.
Devastating Earthquake Rocks Haiti
A 7.0 earthquake yesterday hit Haiti near Port Au Prince, the capital. Early reports lack specifics but detail widespread destruction. This morning, there is little new reporting as rescue workers and relief teams are only beginning the long, arduous task of responding. No doubt the search for survivors, through debris and collapsed buildings, will go on for days. In a country with poor infrastructure and extreme poverty, a disaster of this magnitude will have a deep and dramatic impact on survivors. Our prayers continue to be with the people of Haiti and their loved ones, as well as with folks who are visiting them. I am aware that the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has a team from the Tennessee region in Haiti, and another from the Oklahoma and Great River Regions in neighboring Dominican Republic. Gifts are being gathered for the recovery – please consider making a donation through the Week of Compassion Haiti Earthquake Relief fund. Thank You!
Erin McKinney, a Global Mission Intern currently serving in the Dominican Republic, recently shared this update: “Thanks for all the concerned messages and calls. We are doing fine in Santo Domingo. But prayers are needed for those in Port Au Prince and for the many people living here that have … family in Haiti and have been unable to communicate with them.”
Another friend, Felix Ortiz, shares these words. “It was in Haiti that I learned that God is not in the commotion of violence, the howling of hurricanes, or the rumbling of earthquakes. God is in the whisper of a prayer, the grasp of a helping hand, and the roar of Hope. Send Prayers, send Hope, send aid to Haiti in this dire hour.”
