Episcopal Relief and Development is monitoring the violence and political instability in Port-au-Prince and other areas of Haiti. At least 55 people have been killed since September 30. The fragile conditions in the country are slowing the delivery of food aid to the northwestern city of Gonaives where Tropical Storm Jeanne killed more than 3,000 people and left some 300,000 others homeless last month.
According to Burton Joseph, ERD's partner on the ground, representatives from the Diocesan office in Haiti are scheduled to visit Gonaives on Saturday, October 23. "We will distribute emergency supplies and funds following the Eucharist service on Sunday morning," said Joseph, Program Officer for the Diocese. "We will make follow up visits of more rice shipments and other goods. This will be very helpful as we intend to provide assistance on a mid-to-long term basis to allow at least our church members in Gonaives to begin again," he said.
Episcopal Relief and Development provided emergency assistance to the Diocese after the flooding in September. "Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our efforts to bring much needed relief aid to the victims of the latest floods in the north," said Joseph.
ERD will continue working with the Diocese following unrest throughout Haiti earlier this year and devastating floods near the Dominican Republic border in May.
To donate to Episcopal Relief and Development, visit www.er-d.org or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101-5043.
