We've all heard that the orphan rate tripled since the Haitian earthquake. As Carlos and I visit churches, collapsed schools and walk the streets, we can see hundreds of kids around. Some have taken up a trade, like shoe polishing or picking up trash, while others are too young or unable. From my last post, I explained that a local organization here in Carrefour, Haiti called ASCASH will be feeding 150 families and 250 orphans. This organization has been running for ten years and since the earthquake has taken on a greater load. Yesterday we found out they ran out of food. Carlos and I went to a NGO (non-profit organization) called ADRA and explained the need ASCASH was dealing with. Wally, the regional director for ADRA, explained that he would work hard to get oil and a bag for rice for each family. It's great and will help. Now, the immediate concern is the 250 orphans. We talked to Tata, the Resource Director of ASCASH, and asked her what it takes to feed these children, she said $1 a day. We knew we could do that. Many of our supporters have given money for a cause just like this. Our goal tomorrow is to get the funds we're carrying into their hands to feed these kids. If you have further questions or want to participate you can call Tiffany Manthey at 956-358-9606.
Friday, February 5, 2010
$1 a Day
We've all heard that the orphan rate tripled since the Haitian earthquake. As Carlos and I visit churches, collapsed schools and walk the streets, we can see hundreds of kids around. Some have taken up a trade, like shoe polishing or picking up trash, while others are too young or unable. From my last post, I explained that a local organization here in Carrefour, Haiti called ASCASH will be feeding 150 families and 250 orphans. This organization has been running for ten years and since the earthquake has taken on a greater load. Yesterday we found out they ran out of food. Carlos and I went to a NGO (non-profit organization) called ADRA and explained the need ASCASH was dealing with. Wally, the regional director for ADRA, explained that he would work hard to get oil and a bag for rice for each family. It's great and will help. Now, the immediate concern is the 250 orphans. We talked to Tata, the Resource Director of ASCASH, and asked her what it takes to feed these children, she said $1 a day. We knew we could do that. Many of our supporters have given money for a cause just like this. Our goal tomorrow is to get the funds we're carrying into their hands to feed these kids. If you have further questions or want to participate you can call Tiffany Manthey at 956-358-9606.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
ASCASH- Haitian local non-profit organization
Huge break through today! Carlos and I met with the CEO of ASCASH. He explained how he's trying to support 150 families and 250 orphans. We interviewed several families that are receiving support from them and a couple of the staff. The staff are trying to feed themselves as well as the other families. All members of this organization have lost their homes. Even though they themselves are in need, they are putting others first and supporting 450 other families. The orphans also will have a chance to attend school, which is a tremendous benefit, due to the fact that all schools cost money to attend. In light of this terrible earthquake, the orphans have a shot at education. This opportunity for them is a bright spot for their futures as well as Haiti's. They are opening the school for free to these children. From tents, food and water to school supplies, these courageous men and women involved in ASCASH are putting their necks on the line to help their fellow Haitians. Awesome!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
There are a million stories
Since we arrived into Haiti, we've heard story after story of destruction, death and discouragement. I expected to see a people of greed, hatred and selfishness. My experience here in Haiti has exposed so much more to the people of Haiti. We stayed with a Haitian couple in Port-au-Prince when we first arrived. they were so willing to help their fellow Haitians out, they purchaseed water trucks themselves and distrubuted water to the local residents, approximately 7000 gallons of water were given out.We met another Haitian named Mervolus. He is based out of California and spent some of his life in Haiti as a student and teacher. He came back to help along the street he grew up. His old school, house and church are destoryed, but the warmth of his heart and the support of his church encouraged him to fed local orphans. Together we fed 100 people. The number of orphans have tripled since the earthquake. I have not seen any kids sleeping on the streets, but I have met several families who have taken in orphans in their already cramped sheet tent.
We have heard there is not much aid in Carrefour, Haiti. Currently that's where we're based. We are trying to partner with some local aid organizations and it looks favorable. ADRA and US AID have been seen handing out rice and water to tent cities. We are discovering that the most basic needs are still the most needed, including food, water and shelter.
One Pastor said this today, "The number one need for these people are tents. The tent is the most usable item right now from shelter, security, shade and privacy. These people have some place to call home. The tent can go with them, when they decide to move back to what use to be home."
Check out my friend, Carlos Jink's blog at www.web.mac.com/carlosjinks/Haiti/welcome.html
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Day Seven - Is there hope for Haiti?
We finally found a cyber cafe open in Carrefour. It appears the Haitians are getting back on their feet. Many Haitians have walked up to Carlos and I and are asking for a job, they want to translate for us. So many are looking for ways to provide for their families. As we rode on a public bus into Port-au-Price, the Haitian family members gasped at the damage of familiar buildings of their past. For many, this was their first trip back to Haiti. Silence covered the bus as we continued to see the destruction. Most people on that bus were trying to find loved ones.
Yesterday we climbed a mountain 1 hour and a half away from the tent city we've been staying in. There is a church 1200 feet above sea level nestled between the hills of the summit. It's frail wooden structure was still in tact. I asked why this building was still standing since it is so close to the epicenter. The Pastor explains that wood is more humble than concrete. It bends when it should.
Later that day, we worked with "California in Action" and helped distrubute tickets for meals to families needing a meal. The ticket works as a voucher. You have a voucher, you get food. It prevents massive chaos. It worked really well. About 100 people were fed.
As we walked through the earth shaken streets of the local neighborhood. 10 different families called out for umbrellas and tarps. They complain that they need to get out of the sun. Their make-shift homes of sheets and wood, are the only materials between them and the wheather.
Currently we're trying to team up with this church we're sleeping at. It currently houses 800 refugees. When Carlos and I arrived two days ago, they welcomed us with open arms. They have given us their best, even though they just experienced great lost. We are sleeping on the ground among them, laughing with them and learning from them. My Creole, Spanish and French skills are being developed. We still need a translator where ever we go. It's amazing how we find someone right when we need assistance.
Our first night in the tent city at the church was remarkable. A new friend of mine said, "When the earthquake happend, All I could hear was, Jesus!" He noticed how people were turing towards their faith and not away from it. At midnight as we slept on the broken concrete and dirt ground, a voice from our right began to sing in Creole. Moments later poeple from our left joined in. Soon, most of the people were singing. I couldn't understand a word of it, but it was truly uplifting for me.
Later at 3:00am a different man led the song. I don't know when they stopped, because I fell a sleep. The tent city arose with the sun at 5:00am and was ready for the day. Pots and pans began to click, the beds were being rolled up and the children all needed to bathe. Mothers directing, fathers dressing and kids playing painted a picture that appears the Haitian people haven't missed a beat. They have their loved ones close and their faith closer.
Haiti will rise again!
Yesterday we climbed a mountain 1 hour and a half away from the tent city we've been staying in. There is a church 1200 feet above sea level nestled between the hills of the summit. It's frail wooden structure was still in tact. I asked why this building was still standing since it is so close to the epicenter. The Pastor explains that wood is more humble than concrete. It bends when it should.
Later that day, we worked with "California in Action" and helped distrubute tickets for meals to families needing a meal. The ticket works as a voucher. You have a voucher, you get food. It prevents massive chaos. It worked really well. About 100 people were fed.
As we walked through the earth shaken streets of the local neighborhood. 10 different families called out for umbrellas and tarps. They complain that they need to get out of the sun. Their make-shift homes of sheets and wood, are the only materials between them and the wheather.
Currently we're trying to team up with this church we're sleeping at. It currently houses 800 refugees. When Carlos and I arrived two days ago, they welcomed us with open arms. They have given us their best, even though they just experienced great lost. We are sleeping on the ground among them, laughing with them and learning from them. My Creole, Spanish and French skills are being developed. We still need a translator where ever we go. It's amazing how we find someone right when we need assistance.
Our first night in the tent city at the church was remarkable. A new friend of mine said, "When the earthquake happend, All I could hear was, Jesus!" He noticed how people were turing towards their faith and not away from it. At midnight as we slept on the broken concrete and dirt ground, a voice from our right began to sing in Creole. Moments later poeple from our left joined in. Soon, most of the people were singing. I couldn't understand a word of it, but it was truly uplifting for me.
Later at 3:00am a different man led the song. I don't know when they stopped, because I fell a sleep. The tent city arose with the sun at 5:00am and was ready for the day. Pots and pans began to click, the beds were being rolled up and the children all needed to bathe. Mothers directing, fathers dressing and kids playing painted a picture that appears the Haitian people haven't missed a beat. They have their loved ones close and their faith closer.
Haiti will rise again!
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