By Cherie Miot Abbanat | Hurricane Matthew Impact Update #2
October 5, 2016
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As you know, Haiti Projects' operations in the south of Haiti, in Fond des Blancs, were hit by Hurricane Matthew, a category 4 storm.
We are working to reach all of our employees. Because of fallen trees and the loss of a cell company signal, communication has been hindered and so we are walking to homes. Many of our employees have suffered damage to homes, loss of goats and chickens, and crops. We have no reports of lives lost, and for this news we are very thankful.
Our clinic and our artisan workshop experienced some minor flooding. The cyber cafe is intact. However, the library took a major hit, losing parts of the roof (see photo below). Many books are damaged or destroyed. We have no report on the bees just yet.
For the community at large, the greatest threat is the lack of clean water. The spring that provides clean water was compromised by flood waters. Also, the south is now cut off from Port-au-Prince because the bridge in Ti Goave crumbled. Our ability to receive clean water and supplies will be problematic.
Our goal is to keep women together and busy working on orders starting next week. By gathering together at the Artisanat and Clinic, we will have a central place to distribute water, food, tarps, etc. And, the women will be able to share experiences, charge cell phones, and work together with us to plan the rebuilding.
The resilience that we are seeing in the community is astounding. Neighbors are checking on each other, sharing cell phone minutes, and working to remove trees.
When the community hears about how many of you have reached out to offer support, we see smiles; they are grateful, and they are most thankful for your concern. We will continue to share your well wishes with them, and we will share their stories of strength and hope with all of you.
Your donations will go directly to the women and their families and our recovery effort. You will be a key part to helping us make it through this crisis.
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