HAITI: After the First Responders Depart
What will happen in Haiti two, three, six months from now. The history of tragedies teaches us that interest in the country will wane as the full, graphic and valuable news about Haiti decreases. The current aid, which is primarily aimed at tackling immediate needs, will undoubtedly lessen. What then?
We have heard so far that Saint Isidore Parish did not suffer significant physical damage or loss of life. However, we know from previous disasters in Haiti that the cost of food and other necessities shoots up. Parishioners there will need help. With our assistance Saint Isidore Parish can continue moving forward.
Saint Margaret Mary Haiti Outreach is by no means a traditional first responder. Nevertheless, we have projects in place and work with families in Saint Isidore Church who are facing tremendous challenges. Financial support will help us help Saint Isidore parishioners meet the additional challenges to life brought about by the devastating earthquake.
We have worked in Saint Isidore Church for over three years. In that short time we have established five village banks, grown a livestock program to near one thousand animals, established businesses that support school lunches, enabled parishioners to earn an income by constructing church and other buildings, provide a medical doctor weekly to their clinic and we are currently introducing pure water to all the families.
It is essential that we prepare to follow the important work of first responders. While they provide emergency food, medical care and aid, we must prepare for the next wave of help -- giving people the tools and the ongoing help to rebuild their lives and their livelihoods.
Our Haiti Outreach is about living the Gospel through promoting self-reliance, sustainable change, human worth and human dignity.
If you would like to assist in this long term effort, mail a check payable to Saint Margaret Mary Church Haiti. The mailing address is 526 North Park Avenue, Winter Park, Florida, 32789. As a volunteer managed organization, all money goes directly to the service of the Haitian people.