Washington, D.C., September 30, 2008As flooding from four successive storms continues to impact much of Haiti, World Vision is expanding its response thanks to a new $750,000 grant awarded this week by USAID's Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA). The Christian humanitarian organization has already assisted more than 16,000 flood survivors across Haiti with emergency food, along with clothing, shoes, hygiene kits, water, cooking utensils, shelter materials and medicine to thousands more.
The five-month initiative funded by USAID will assist approximately 56,500 flood survivors through the rehabilitation of a water system in the town of Posbaiemarose, and the restoration of over 100 wells and pumps in the Central Plateau and Port-de-Paix regions. In and around Port-de-Paix (Northwest Department) and Hinche (Central Department), this grant will help World Vision further protect the health of 13,000 survivors by providing household hygiene kits that include essential items such as soap, toothbrushes, cooking utensils and clean water containers. These items will also ensure that families are able to safely return to their homes.
"With the entire country affected by the flooding, this emergency is far from being over," warned Wesley Charles, World Vision's national director in Haiti. "With so many families already hungry from the spike in global food prices, we must continue to galvanize support for the needs of people in Haiti. This grant from USAID is timely and will help us reach thousands more in need."
Beyond emergency food and relief items, World Vision provided logistical and other support to local authorities assisting displaced families in shelters, and also assessed the protection and wellbeing of children living in shelters. The agency plans to provide additional support to children in the Central Plateau region as they return to school. World Vision's response has been focused in and around Saut d'Eau, Marchand Dessalines, Petite Rivière, Mirebalais, Verrettes, Cabaret, Hinche, La Gonâve, Saint Marc and La Chapelle.
In the midst of widespread destruction, an innovative watershed protection program prevented significant flooding damage on the island of La Gonâve, saving both lives and crops. The protective walls on La Gonâve are being built by community members as part of a World Vision Food for Assets program, funded by USAID. World Vision is replicating the project in several other locations on Haiti's mainland.
"In the past, because of soil erosion, we had destructive flooding in La Gonâve after just 30 minutes of heavy rain. Now, after four storms in a row and hours of rain, the crops and homes in this area have been largely spared due to these walls," said (Mr.) Constant Joseph, Mayor of Anse-a-Galets in La Gonâve.
Cash donations are still needed for World Vision's flooding response in Haiti. The public can help by visiting www.worldvision.org or calling 1.888.56.CHILD.
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For interviews with experts in Haiti, please contact Rachel Wolff at 253.394.2214 or rwolff@worldvision.org.
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Visit www.worldvision.org/press.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
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