Haiti Relief Update - January 14th 2010
We have heard from many of you in the last two days wanting to know how you can help the victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. We have been in close communication with our partner organizations in the region. They have both confirmed that in these initial days of rescue and recovery, the quickest and most effective way to assist Haitians impacted by the earthquake is to work closely with organizations that are already in place in the region to supply the most critical needs. With this in mind, NPCC will be working closely with two organizations that we have developed strong relationships with in recent years, the Del Camino Connection (DCC) and World Relief who are well organized and in place in Haiti and the DR to deliver aid as quickly and as effectively as possible.
Following are the latest updates on each of these organizations including information on how you can help. The Rotary and the Red Cross are two other local organizations that are also actively involved in the relief effort.
Del Camino Connection (DCC)
DR based organizations, in an effort facilitated by Esperanza Intl. and including Compassion International, Food for the Hungry, World Vision, Healing Waters and the Red del Camino Network churches have developed a two phased action plan.
Phase One involves funneling locally purchased relief supplies through churches, ministry partners and community-based orgs connected to the coalition in Haiti. The immediate request from our partners is cash donations so that we can purchase supplies in Dominican cities along the border with Haiti. From previous experience, we have learned that containers sent from abroad take up precious time in transport, customs processing, and transport to the emergency site.
Phase Two of the plan will draw from the assessment and mapping currently happening in Haiti. Once emergency processes are met and conditions are stabilized, we will be requesting in-kind contributions.
Please click here to open a PDF link for more detailed information about our action plan.
Please know that 100% of your cash donations will be channeled through DCC to a local DR account that will disburse fund towards these DR-based efforts.
We will keep you informed as we learn more and begin to carry out the initiative. May all of us acting together manifest the spirit-led Kingdom community and love of God.
World Relief
Yesterday, World Relief dispatched its Disaster Response team to Haiti to assess the situation on the ground and get emergency relief under way. World Relief will be working with other agencies at the scene and alongside local church partners to get aid as quickly as possible to the most vulnerable people in the devastated capital.
World Relief will be working with other agencies at the scene and alongside local church partners to get aid as quickly as possible to the most vulnerable people in the devastated capital.
The situation in Port-au-Prince is chaotic, and relief teams face logistical challenges including transportation and communications. World
Relief is still trying to confirm that all local staff members in Port-au-Prince are safe.
Click here to donate to World Relief securely online.
Haiti’s Churches on the Frontlines
In the days ahead, Haiti’s churches will be at the center of relief and recovery efforts. In the aftermath of past disasters, local churches have been on the frontlines, delivering aid and encouraging survivors.
You Can Help
Please give generously to help Haiti’s suffering people. In partnership with World Relief and local churches at the scene, your gift of any amount today will help bring hope in Jesus’ name.
Remember,“Little donations can add up to big amounts”. Five or ten dollars can make a huge difference. After the 2004 Asian tsunami, more than $1 billion was donated from the U.S, with a median contribution of $56.
If you would like to give, you can do so online with either of the above organizations you can give locally by cash or check to New Providence Community Church with a notation for “Haiti Relief Fund”. Checks may be dropped off at the front reception desk at New Providence Community Center on Blake Road or at the Hub (downtown Bay Street). All funds will be directed to the Haiti Hurricane relief efforts with these two organizations.
There will be opportunities for volunteer lay teams to go to Haiti to assist after the initial critical rescue and recovery phases are completed by the major international organizations and trained disaster relief teams. We know that many of you have expressed interest in participating in this way and will keep you updated as soon as these opportunities become available.
Please Pray
We would also ask you to please pray with us unceasingly for all the victims and families impacted by this terrible tragedy and for the safety and health of all those involved in the rescue and relief efforts.
Other Local Organizations
Below are a list of other local organizations and their efforts to assist the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.
Rotary International
- Collecting blankets and non-expired medication
- Organising a flight into Port au Prince from Nassau on Friday
- Will advise when they can send food and other items
- Drop blankets and non-expired medication to Windermere Harbour Bay or Windermere Caves Village
- Contact Carla McCombe 242 357 9501 with questions
Red Cross Bahamas Society
The Red Cross is accepting donations of goods to send to Inagua where there is expected to be an influx of Haitians fleeing the disaster zone.
Canned foods, baby formula, diapers, blankets, towels, clothing, medical supplies and anything to help those in need will all be gratefully accepted.
Donations can be taken to the Red Cross Bahamas Society centre in JFK Drive.
A number of locations throughout New Providence are also accepting donations for the Red Cross. These include Quality Auto Sales in East Shirley Street and Le Petit Gourmet cafe in the Shirley Street Plaza.
The College of the Bahamas has also established a drop box in the Bahamas Tourism Training Centre, Thompson Blvd. Staff and students are encouraged to donate at least two items per person.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is appealing for medical experts to volunteer their services and assist on a mission trip to Haiti which is being organised with Salvation Army groups in Haiti.
Financial donations to fund the effort will be accepted at their headquarters in Mackey Street and Grants Town, or call 393-2745.