Haiti Update–June 11th

Tomorrow marks 5 months since the 7.0- magnitude earthquake shattered Haiti on January 12th, killing hundreds of thousands and leaving millions homeless. When Covenant World Relief (CWR) made a commitment to serve in the relief efforts for Haiti, we made a commitment to continue work through not only the emergency phase but into the recovery and development phases as well. It is easy to forget that the debris, destruction, and danger continue for the people of Haiti as news of the relief effort have disappeared from our television screens. However, CWR has partnered with two primary organizations who share this vision for long-term, sustainable, and effective disaster response: World Relief International (WR) and Medical Teams International (MTI).

Disaster Phase
World Relief has met immediate needs by providing emergency shelter (tarps and tents) to 48,000 families, 4,570 hygiene kits, and food distributions to the most vulnerable.
Medical Teams International has sent 17+ volunteer teams with doctors, nurses, and health professionals. MTI rehabilitated King’s hospital with staff and supplies, sent mobile medical units to tent cities serving 21,000 people, provided medicine and orthopedic supplies and transported the critically injured to the US for lifesaving treatment.

Recovery Phase
Both of our partners in Haiti are now transitioning out of the emergency phase and into the recovery phase for the next 6 to 36 months. Medical Teams International will serve those left disabled from the disaster by providing prosthetics, equipment, rehabilitation, and advocacy. World Relief is working on an economic recovery program providing labor opportunities for local community members, an agricultural recovery plan for local farmers, and the construction of 12 well sites for permanent, clean water. WR plans to address the larger gaps in international response in agriculture, school reconstruction, health, shelter, water and sanitation in four cities of Haiti.

Thank you to all that have remembered the people of Haiti through generous donations and lifting the crisis up in your prayers. We urge you to remember that although the disaster has left the water-cooler conversation in our homes, churches, and workplaces, Covenant World Relief continues work in Haiti and we pray and implore you to begin or continue your partnership with the people of Haiti as well.
–Written by Katie Burzynski, CWR intern

Permalink | June 11th, 2010

2 Responses to “Haiti Update–June 11th”

  1. Kathy Wells Says:
    June 22, 2010 at 6:32 pm

    Can I reprint part or all or an article in our church newsletter if I put the credits as to who wrote it?

  2. chrissyp Says:
    August 16, 2010 at 11:03 am

    Of course you can use these in your church newsletter. We are glad this tool will help you communicate the ways we are working together. Thank you!

Leave a Reply