CRWRC Aids Haitian Hurricane Survivors

 CRWRC Newsroom | September 17, 2008

After four major storms in less than four weeks, Haiti is on the breaking point.  CRWRC and its Haitian partners are responding with much needed food, shelter, and support. 

Haiti, on the Island of Hispaniola, is often cited as the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.  About 55% of the population lives on less than $1 a day (extreme poverty line) and another 25% earn between $1 and $2 a day.  These families work hard simply to survive.  They are extremely vulnerable when disaster strikes. When Hurricanes Fay (August 16), Gustav (August 27), Hanna (September 3), and Ike (September 7) brought winds, rains, flooding, and chaos to this island country, it left many in despair.   

CRWRC’s Ad deBlaeij explained, “Many peasants lost their crops and small animals (goats, pigs).  They don’t know how they will survive the coming dry season (November to May), and how they will send their children to school in the next weeks.” 

“Our partners all report damage in the areas where they work, and families being victims of the flooding and the storms,” deBlaeij continued. 

Because CRWRC’s partners are community organizations that work at the grassroots level, they are able to respond quickly and effectively to the current crisis. 

“Our partners have their zones where they normally work,” explained deBlaeij.  “ Their network of churches, communities, and leaders helps them to do an effective implementation of the emergency aid.”

With funds from CRWRC, these partners will provide emergency food, clothing, toiletries, and roofing supplies to 3,000 people.   

Donate online today, designating your funds to “Hurricanes 2008 Caribbean”.