Haiti - Update 4

As time goes on, the response to the disaster in Haiti does not get any easier. Even watching the news you will quickly get the sense that the rescue phase is coming to an end and the next phase of relief is becoming the focus. During this second phase of the relief effort, some of the issues that figure prominently are:

1. Security – is it safe to begin distribution of goods
2. Capacity – determine what can be done, by whom, in what locations and develop a broad plan
3. Logistics – where can necessities be obtained and how will they get to the areas needed
4. Communications – develop communication with other aid agencies to ensure that duplication of services does not occur, that all affected areas are reached, and that supply chains can be maintained.

Other factors to be considered include relocations, rebuilding, restructuring, longer-term clean up, and reassessment of all available resources. After several months, longer term activities can be planned and carried out.

Given the recent announcement from Haiti that 400,000 people will be relocated outside the city of Port au Prince, there are a number of considerations that the people in the field will need to make about services, location, and beneficiaries. Uncertainty pervades every aspect of the planning process at this point.

All of our potential partners are requesting patience especially when considering longer term relief and rebuilding as they continue to struggle with the disaster. Many employees have been affected with personal family losses as well as the destruction of their personal possessions. These partners have assured us they will keep us informed as to how we can best be of assistance to them both as immediate supply lines are secured and for longer term relief.

Bernie Pennings continues to serve on a joint disaster relief committee with Coram Deo International Aid (CDIA) which is attempting some small scale relief efforts focusing on families of children in the school and the immediate school community. We are continuing our discussions with several other potential partners to determine the best way to cooperate to ensure that the needs of the people in Haiti are addressed and that resources are used wisely. Please continue to pray for the people of Haiti, the personnel on the ground charged with the responsibility of assessing and identifying needs, and with all those involved in the rescue, recovery, and rebuilding of that country.