Helping Haitians help Haitians

After a devastating earthquake struck Haiti on August 14th, we mourn for the loss of thousands and for those that were displaced by the disaster.

The news coming out of Haiti is rarely positive. The media paints a picture of a country where simply nothing ever goes right. But here at share Hope, we believe deeply that given the right tools, Haitians can help pull themselves and their fellow Haitians out of poverty. We have heard stories of people who have sent their entire month’s salary to help their family who lost everything in the earthquake. Rather than helpless and dependent, Haitians prove themselves time and time again to be willing to sacrifice the little they have to help their neighbors, family and friends.

The last two weeks have been intense, but they have been invigorating. Our team has been hard at work, starting early in the morning and finishing late in the evening, to prepare 1,000 emergency duffel bags filled with life-saving supplies such as:

  • Water filtration devices

  • First aid kits including bandages, antibiotic ointment, acetaminophen/ibuprofen, etc.

  • Rice, beans, cooking oil

  • Sanitary pads

  • Bath soap

  • Laundry soap

  • Toothbrushes and toothpaste

  • Cloth face masks

  • Underwear

  • Solar powered lamps/flashlights

These supplies have been purchased in Haiti from local merchants. For example, although 90% of the rice consumed in Haiti is subsidized American rice, that has effectively decimated the Haitian agriculture market. We were committed to buy rice from a Haitian supplier and not take advantage of the available donated American rice. What’s more, the emergency kits are being packed in Haiti by unemployed workers who have participated in Share Hope’s Gap P.A.C.E. training program. Each bag has an estimated value of just $125 and can help so many families that are impacted. We hope you will help us carry out our initiative of Haitians helping Haitians by donating to this relief effort.

When you empower people with the tools to help themselves and help each other, not only does this make sure that progress can continue in the long term, but you also give people a sense of dignity.

Anya Gass