Update from Del Camino Connection (Tom & Dee Yaccino) - January 20th 2010

2000 family hygiene, food and shelter units are being mobilized through coordinated efforts with NPCC’s network partner, the Del Camino Connection. Donated funds that have come through DCC are being invested in the preparation of 500 more kits, 500 units of water and the logistical support for transportation and delivery.

These items are being purchased from suppliers in the DR and packed by volunteers from the Red del Camino network (Iglesia Comunitaria Cristiana in the Colonial City is housing these packing operations w/ volunteer help from other RdC network churches.  The kits are then being shipped into distribution points in Haiti via the border crossings in Jimani, D.R. as well as in the border crossing at Elias Piña to the north. The main distribution point set up in Port au Prince is in Delmas in a donated facility that is being operated by pastors and churches there.  A second point in Port au Prince is in process to be coordinated in Croix des Bouquets 10km outside of the Capital.   Local church leaders have the lead in distribution and delivery to the families in the affected areas.

Alfredo Hernandez from the DCC network traveled to Elias Piña last night and met with churches coordinating the staging efforts there as well as FHI staff and to learn of the medical and aid needs of the displaced who are traveling to Belladere and points closer to the capital for assistance.  He is in the distribution center of Port au Prince and will return with a full report late this evening.  Thursday morning I (Tom) will be joining a network/ministry coordination team from Sto Dgo, who will travel the same route to continue to coordinate and develop the immediate, mid and long term recovery plans through local churches.  Travel must have escorts and some security due to the unrest. A warehouse in Elias Piña is being used as a second staging area to come into the capital from the north and serve communities outside of PAP as refugees flee the devastation of the capital.  

Medical support is being planned for the border hospital in Jimani which is over flowing with earthquake victims, and we are investigating the needs in Belladere to the north which has a clinic and churches that are receiving victims as well.  We will be communicating the need and logistical support for these medical operatives when they are clearer.

Water for the effort is being provided through Network churches that are operating ADU (Healing Water Intl) water purification systems.  These churches are halting normal operations to fill 20 oz. bottles and gallon bottles for the kits.  The water is donated through these projects and we only have to cover the cost of the bottle and label  4 to 5 pesos (11 cents).  We are investigating with ADU the possible installation of 200 gallon a day water purification systems that could be powered by Solar energy.   These units could be installed in the churches that are involved in the relief efforts there on the ground.  We will share more specific information on the cost per unit and installation plans as they are more clear.

We could use any help we can on solar power systems.  Panels and systems that could power 5 kilowatt inverters.  Any supporters with connections are urged to get in touch with us on this need.  This energy would be used to run the water filtration systems and run small coordination offices (computer printer cell phone chargers, etc.)

Please pray for improved communications (telecommunications and internet) between the DR and Haiti, safety for all the supply trips  on both routes, Alfredo Hernandez as he returns vis Elias Pina tonight, The network group traveling Thursday early AM and who will be in Haiti until Saturday, and especially for all the local church leaders in Haiti who are coordinating the efforts there on the ground, and of course continue to cry out to God for His hand in the rescue and care for the masses who are hurting, homeless and desperate.

Thank you for supporting these efforts.  All donations made through DCC are channeled 100% to this coordinated/networked effort from the DR.

Please check back often for updates on the progress of the relief effort and information on how you and your family may continue to support and assist our neighbors in Haiti in restoring their lives.

Many of you have already started to give to this effort.  This week over $4,000.00 was received from the NPCC community and sent to the DCC Haiti Relief effort and has helped to supply these critical Family survival kits to the families living on the street in Port au Prince.

Below we have provided detailed information on the cost and content of the various hygiene, food and shelter kits being provided by the DCC through your donations.  The costs have been divided per person (US$8.60) for the hygiene kits and per family on the food (US$19.18) and shelter (US$28.47) kits.  The food and shelter kits are intended to last 5-7 days per family.  We hope that you can use this information to prayerfully help to direct your continued support of the Haiti Relief Effort as we work to provide aid for 2000 families in need.

Total per family for Food, Hygiene and Bedding Kits = $56.25 ($8.60 + $19.18 + $28.47)