CRWRC Responds to Urgent Needs In Haiti
CRWRC Newsroom | January 13, 2010
As survivors clear rubble, search for loved ones, and mourn the losses that have occurred since yesterday’s massive earthquake in Haiti, CRWRC staff are providing support and preparing plans for long-term aid.
“The earthquake that hit the capital city, where both CRWRC and Christian Reformed World Missions personnel are stationed, was severe,” CRWRC Director, Ida Kaastra Mutoigo reported this morning. “But we have confirmed that all Christian Reformed staff are safe.” CRWRC has been working in Haiti for more than 30 years. By partnering with local churches and community organizations, CRWRC has empowered Haitian community leaders to no longer see themselves as victims of poverty, but as image bearers of God who have gifts they can use to serve their communities. In this new time of crisis, these local partners are now leading their communities in responding to the most urgent needs.
“During a disaster like this, it is hard to see anything positive,” said Ken Little, CRWRC’s Disaster Response Senior Project Manager, “but one strength that we do have is local leaders and community connections who can quickly identify needs and help us distribute aid to those most in need in a timely and effective way.”
CRWRC’s immediate response will be to meet urgent needs for things like water, shelter and food. “We want to get survivors out of the sun, out of the damage, and hydrated,” said CRWRC’s Disaster Programme Manager, Jacqueline Koster.
CRWRC-Haiti staff member and Dutch expatriot, Ad DeBlaeij, toured some of Port au Prince this morning. He reports, “There are thousands upon thousands of people in the streets. Most of them slept outside last night because of fear of aftershocks. In front of the CRWRC offices, there are 400 people just sitting on the ground, and they’ll likely be there for the next day or two until it is safe for them to return to what is left of their homes.”
As CRWRC provides aid, it is also collaborating with other organizations to ensure that the aid efforts are coordinated and no needs fall through the gaps. “At this stage of the response it is about meeting the immediate needs,” said Koster, “but we want to be sure that our collective response has the greatest possible benefit in the long-term by coordinating our activities.”
On Friday, Mr. Little will be travelling to Haiti to assess needs and prepare plans for additional aid. He expects that CRWRC’s response will include temporary shelter as well as long-term home repair and reconstruction.
CRWRC has a need for some skilled and experienced volunteers in their relief response. Click here for further details.
Financial contributions for CRWRC's response, however, are urgently needed. Every dollar makes a difference and now if Canadians give a donation to the Haiti Earthquake victims through CRWRC by February 12th, it will double in impact due to a generous contribution from the Canadian Government.
Checks, marked “Haiti Earthquake 2010” can also be sent to:
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CRWRC-US |
CRWRC-Canada Ph: 1-800-730-3490 |
by Kristen deRoo VanderBerg