Our Response to the Earthquake
In response to the earthquake that devastated much of southern Haiti, Beyond Borders immediately launched a network of international and Haitian organizations to work around the bottleneck that had formed in the delivery of emergency assistance. Through this network we have been:
- connecting medical teams with local organizations to set up field hospitals,
- established an office and logistical team in the neighboring Dominican Republic to help coordinate the flow of aid,
- secured boats, trucks, and aircraft to carry aid into Haiti,
- purchasing and supplying medicine, fuel, and food for humanitarian organizations paralyzed by the lack of these critical items.
In addition to our initial focus on relief, we lead in the development of a new coalition of local Haitian organizations and international agencies committed to grassroots development. Through this new coalition and our many other partners in Haiti we are:
- working to help neglected rural areas respond to the mass migration from Port-au-Prince and other urban areas,
- organizing a child protection initiative to help children who have become separated from their parents or have lost their parents,
- begining the recovery effort, helping rebuild schools and reinvigorate local organizations.
A consistent response will be needed long after Haiti has faded from the news. Please continue giving in a sustained way for the long-term development work that is a strength of Beyond Borders and our partners in Haiti.
Volunteer help will also be needed beyond the immediate crisis.