As most of you have seen on the news, Haiti recently suffered a massive 7.0 earthquake near the capital, Port a Prince.  Much of the capital is “flattened” and early reports show that about 3 million have been affected. Death tolls are now estimated to be above 100,000.  Hospitals have collapsed and clean water and electricity are currently not readily available.

Hope in Haiti has focused its efforts in the surrounding valley and mountains of Dessalines (shown on above map) and although we cannot confirm yet, early reports are that Hope in Haiti’s schools and communities have been minimally affected.  We will confirm as soon as we can, cell towers are down in Haiti and we have not been able to place  or receive calls yet.

However, the repercussions for the country and economy will most likely be very severe in the coming months. Many that work with Hope in Haiti have friends and family members that travel to and live in Port-au-Prince.  In addition, the orphanages we normally work in and stay at in Port-au-Prince have been severely effected – Haitian Orphanage Pictures.  All the children in these orphanages are alive and have been moved to a safe place but the orphanage children’s homes walls and gates have been knocked down and the buildings are in chaos from the severe shaking.

Hope in Haiti is sending an emergency team down next Friday Jan. 22nd to bring relief and aid to those orphanages, help with clean up efforts, bring supplies and care for displaced orphans. I would humbly like to request supply donations on behalf of Hope in Haiti to support our efforts. To donate, please click on the Donate button above and 100% of your contributions will be used to bring supplies and relief to earthquake victims in Port a Prince, Haiti.  Also, below is a list of supplies needed.  Supplies can be brought to the below addresses this week.

Supplies needed:

• Tuna Fish
• Peanut Butter
• Canned Meat
• Beef Jerky
• Water Filters/Filtration Systems
• Nuts
• Vitamin C
• Raisins
• Dried Fruit
• Healthy Granola Bars w/no Chocolate (it melts)

Thank you for your prayers and supports.  Our hearts are breaking for our Haitian brothers and sisters in the midst of this crisis and we are committed to helping them in their time of need.

“The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:31

Rachel Claflin, Hope in Haiti Board of Directors