Share
RSS
Episcopal Relief & Development Collaborating on Earthquake Response in Haiti
Updated February 23, 2010
In the wake of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working closely with local partners to assist those most impacted by this disaster. It is estimated that one in three Haitians were affected by the quake, roughly three million people. The most recent numbers from the Haitian government indicate that the death toll has reached 230,000 people, and that number continues to climb.
In the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti, Episcopal Relief & Development is offering technical support and funds to help secure critical supplies for those in need. In addition to supplying food and water, the agency has secured vehicles to assist the diocese in delivering supplies, fuel for those vehicles and camping supplies to provide shelter. The agency is also helping the diocese increase its human resources by hiring additional staff for logistical work, health service provision and construction. These efforts are expanding the diocese’s capacity to help the 25,000 survivors at over 60 mission sites in 8 localities: Leogane, Buto, Mathieu, L'Acul Bellevue, Darbonne, Trouin, Bainet and Grand Colline - Route de Jacmel.
Prior to the earthquake Episcopal Relief & Development was partnering with the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti’s Development Office. This diverse program included fostering a network of 28 community development workers trained in disaster management. Since the quake, these development agents have completed initial needs assessments in their own communities, and they are providing their data to the diocese and Episcopal Relief & Development. The data provided by these agents is enabling the Diocese and Episcopal Relief & Development to work together, setting priorities for ongoing relief and recovery efforts.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, activities supported by Episcopal Relief & Development include:
Episcopal Diocese of Haiti
- Supplying over six tons of food to survivors living in diocesan camps. This includes both purchased and donated food.
- Delivering food by helicopter to six camps not accessible by vehicles. These camps are inhabited by more than 15,000 survivors. Each drop contains 216 pounds of rice, 204 pounds of beans, 12 gallons of oil and 36 kilograms milk powder.
- Constructing permanent latrines and clean water sites in eight camps. These new facilities will be earthquake-resistant. In addition to providing sanitation and clean water, the construction is creating jobs in affected communities.
- Conducting training on the proper installation and maintenance of at least 20 emergency water purification systems, which diocesan development agents are distributing throughout Haiti. Additional water purification needs are currently being assessed so that they can be adequately addressed.
- Working closely with the Diocesan Disaster Council, which has been charged by Bishop Duracin to coordinate the earthquake response and long-term recovery plans.
- Collaborating with the Diocese of Virginia, whose fundraising efforts will enable the purchase of 10 more trucks for use by the Diocese of Haiti
IMA World Health
- Providing 50 medicine boxes to diocesan community health workers. Each box contains enough pain relief medications, nutritional supplements, antibiotics and basic first aid supplies to assist 1,000 people in diocesan camps.
Episcopal Diocese of the Dominican Republic
- Procuring and purchasing three trucks to transport supplies. Two of these trucks are being used by the Diocese of Haiti and the third is being used by the Diocese of the Dominican Republic.
- Gathering critical supplies such as food, medical boxes and 400 durable, family-sized tents and 710 units of insecticide-treated plastic sheeting to construct shelters. Transporting these supplies in two weekly shipments from Santo Domingo to Port-au-Prince.
As often as possible, Episcopal Relief & Development prefers to purchase items locally. This practice supports local economic recovery, creates local employment and ensures Haitian leadership in program design and management.
To assist those suffering in the wake of this disaster, please consider making an online donation to Episcopal Relief & Development’s Haiti Earthquake Response Fund or calling 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to Episcopal Relief & Development, PO Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058. Please write “Haiti Earthquake Response Fund” in the memo of all checks.
