Monday, February 8, 2010
"We always overestimate the change that will occur in the next two years and underestimate the change that will occur in the next ten. Don't let yourself be lulled into inaction." Bill Gates
With the earthquake in Haiti only four weeks in the past and news channels focused on other current events, the situation in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas remains dire.
As the poorest country in the western hemisphere and only 700 miles from America’s border, Haiti’s history is one of political turmoil and devastating natural disasters. In the past few years, 4 major hurricanes brought over a million refugees from the rural communities into the city hoping for work. Although record donations help bring emergency relief to the 3 million victims of this catastrophic disaster, many needs remain unfulfilled.
“Right now they are concerned with the medical treatment for the worst of the old and the young. So many hospitals collapsed. People survived the earthquake and are still dying because there’s not enough help,” said Gessie Gelin, a Haitian Living in central Maine. “There’s not enough tents for everyone, but day-by-day, things are coming in. China’s been a big help.”
With the Haitian government in shambles, many agencies find it difficult to deliver aid to the world’s neediest people. Since government approval means delays, donated containers of food, clothes and shelters potentially sit at port, rotting in the tropical heat.
Several charities, including Christian denominations and Jewish World Service, work with the United Nations (and Red Cross) to pool resources and purchase necessary shelters, food, water and medications at reduced prices so a greater number receives aid.
The Roman Catholic Church has a rich history in Haiti, spanning several centuries. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has people on the ground in Haiti working to distribute emergency aid, even though the Haitian Archbishop and many priests died in the earthquake.
“It calls us to understand that nature happens. We need to respond with love and understanding. We’re working with Catholic Relief Services and the Diocese of Maine. You can put a special envelope in the basket for Haiti or write a check,” said the Rev. Phil Tracy, pastor of the Corpus Christi Parish in central Maine. His concern is for the immediate relief and spiritual needs in Haiti as well as for eventually building a strong and educated future for Haitians. All money donated for Haitian relief in the parish will go to CRS.
The Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) are also present in Haiti, supplying tents as well as other aid. Donate to ERD on-line, through any Episcopal church or through the Diocese, with 100% of your donation going to people in need.
When helicopters with UMCOR rescued people from the tops of buildings in New Orleans in the days after Hurricane Katrina, many thought it was a Marine reserve unit. However, UMCOR stands for the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Donate to UMCOR, for Haiti, with 100% of your donation going to people in need, at any Methodist church.
Just 5 minutes before the quake, Rev. Sam Dixon and Rev. Clint Rabb, UMCOR leaders, walked into the lobby of the Hotel Montana in Port-Au-Prince to discuss serious problems with health care in Haiti. Although rescued, they died of injuries. As people around the world mourn their loss, Methodists hurry to put together health kits to aid Haitians.
These simple kits (find complete list on the UMCOR website), consisting of a comb, washcloth, hand towel, nail file, Band-Aids, toothbrush, etc., help restore a small bit of dignity to disaster victims. Contact your local Methodist church to see if your youth group or school can help gather these items.
Come across religious differences and help our neighbor through one of these organizations, or donate to UNICEF or the Red Cross for immediate aid. Check out
Charity Navigator - Your Guide to Intelligent Giving. to learn about charities. In the coming months and years, you can help to rebuild a sustainable Haiti. For now, lives need saving.
Peace,
Bonnie
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NEIDEEP at 10:49 AM