By Michelle Boudet | Project Liaison
Response in Haiti Continues, One Year Later
"From the catastrophic earthquake on January 12, 2010, to the cholera epidemic and political unrest as a result of disputed elections, the Haitian people have experienced grave challenges over the past year. Water Missions International was providing safe water before the earthquake, has expanded staff to respond quickly to the water and sanitation needs, and will continue to remain on the ground indefinitely."
- Pat Haughney, Director of International Programs, Water Missions International
CHARLESTON, S.C., January 4, 2011 – The earthquake that struck Haiti January 12, 2010 has forever changed the landscape and culture of Haiti. One year later, Charleston-based Water Missions International continues to play a crucial role in providing safe water and sanitation to areas in and around Port-au-Prince. Jan. 5-6, Water Missions International’s Haiti country leaders, Julio and Elsa Paula, will be in Charleston to explain how the engineering nonprofit is providing permanent safe water solutions for long-term country change.
Water Missions International has installed 156 safe water projects since the earthquake, providing life-saving safe water to 250,000 Haitians. These projects include easily operated water treatment systems, chlorinators, chlorine and other water safety equipment.
As the one-year mark of Haiti’s earthquake approaches, Water Missions International has raised over $3.6 million specifically designated for Haiti, which was one-third of total funds raised in 2010. Recent funds received will be used in the coming months for community development, a program that will train Haitians to operate and maintain the water systems in their communities so that a safe water solution is in place long after the natural disaster subsides. About 20 percent of the safe water projects deployed for Haiti’s disaster response has already transitioned to long-term community development.
Water Missions International is currently preparing a shipment of 10 additional systems to be deployed in Haiti later this month. Those can provide safe water for up to 50,000 more Haitians and their newly-engineered design requires a mere 15 minutes for set up.
Water Missions International is an engineering relief and development Christian nonprofit. Its engineers, staff and volunteers design and provide sustainable, safe water solutions to disaster victims worldwide and people in 42 developing countries. Since 2001, Water Missions International has responded to the world's largest natural disasters and daily tackles the world’s single biggest cause of illness - lack of safe water and adequate sanitation (U.N. Report, 2005). Charleston, S.C.-based Water Missions International has received Charity Navigator's top rating four years in a row. To help, visit WaterMissions.org
FOR MORE INFORMATION: DeMossNews.com/WaterMissions
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