Update on Helping
As we begin to find our niche in the relief effort, I need to explain how your help is critical to make this effective. Right now in Port-au-Prince the US military is calling all the shots. They have been given control of the nearly impossible task of getting emergency help and supplies to residents.
Through various networks, we are connected to hundreds of ministries in and around Port-au-Prince. Prior to the earthquake these ministries provided essential services to people with all kinds of needs. Due to the magnitude of the destruction many of these caregivers and service-providers are on the brink of evacuation. But, these people are among those best situated to provide emergency care at a time like this. We should try to do all we can to help them keep their doors open and staff in Haiti—a nearly impossible task as well.
Probably the most difficult aspect of dispensing aid is injecting the right resources, in the right places, at the right times. This is our “niche” in the relief effort—we want to simplify the logistics as much as possible, so follow along closely.
If you are associated with a ministry in PAP—like an orphanage, medical missionary, etc., you have probably been trying to contact them to find out what they need. The problem is that getting anything to them will be almost impossible for you. So, we are currently building a supply chain that starts in the Dominican Republic, routes aid items into northern Haiti, and flies them into PAP.
Here is how we work together: Find our what your ministry in PAP needs. Don’t guess; they need to tell you. Get specifics on foods, medicines, hygiene items, etc. At the top of their list is probably water and fuel. Water is becoming available in Port-au-Prince, and fuel will follow on the black market. This brings up a very important aspect of our effort. Since banks have been wiped out, your ministry is probably running out of cash and has no way of getting more. We could transport cash directly to them. The only thing they would need to do is find a way to meet us at the PAP airport.
So, by supporting us, you’re in effect supporting your ministries in PAP. We cannot do this without your help! Find out what they need, tell us who they are, and get us funds quickly. We are working on generating a form for you to use to streamline the logistics. Additionally, we still need money just to keep the supply line greased. If you don’t know anyone in PAP and just want to help, please donate to the Haiti Relief Fund. Every dollar in this account will go towards facilitating what I explained above and be accounted for by FIM.
