Help with Food
We are delighted to share the wonderful news of receiving additional funds for emergency relief efforts in Haiti. These funds will be directed towards providing essential food supplies, establishing farming tool banks, and constructing much-needed classrooms. The timing of this aid is perfect as it will greatly benefit the communities, especially in Hesse, Dano, and Bois Negresse, who are still recovering from the devastating flood disaster. In this article, we will discuss the impact of these additional funds and how they will contribute to the recovery and long-term development of the affected regions.
Emergency Food Kits for Families in Need:
With the combination of previous funding and the newly received additional funds, we can now provide food kits for 400 families in Hesse, 400 families in Dano, and 400 families in Bois Negresse. To ensure that the assistance reaches as many families as possible, the size and value of the food kits have been adjusted. Each kit will now consist of three main food items: 25 pounds of rice, 5 pounds of brown sugar, and a half-gallon of cooking oil. While this may be a reduction from the usual five-item kits, it will still make a significant difference in the lives of 1,200 families. The entire population of these villages will be filled with renewed hope as they receive the much-needed support in the aftermath of the flood.
Challenges and Solutions:
The leaders in Bois Negresse have received the funds in their account, enabling them to begin purchasing food locally as transportation from the capital remains difficult. They have sufficient time to procure all the required food before the end of July, given the scarcity of food, security concerns, and damaged roads. The road conditions make it impossible to drive to Bois Negresse directly, so alternative means of transportation, such as motorcycle taxis, will be utilized to ensure the food distribution is carried out at the end of July.
In addition to food aid, funds have been allocated to initiate the construction of classrooms in Hess. This investment aims to have the classrooms ready before the scheduled school reopening in early September. The projects for the agricultural tool banks in Hesse and Bois Negresse will commence in August, following the distribution of food kits. A meeting with the project leaders from Rigaud, Jeanton, and Boyer could not be held due to security reasons, but a special virtual meeting is planned for tomorrow to discuss and finalize the second half of the school support budget for 2023.
The Challenges of Road Infrastructure:
The poor condition of the roads is evident, as witnessed by the Hesse and Dano project teams who had to endure a challenging five-hour drive to cover only 35 miles between the projects and the Star of Hope office in Lavallee. However, the situation is even more dire in Bois Negresse, where it took a staggering 14-hour journey on a motorbike to attend the meeting. These difficulties highlight the pressing need for infrastructure improvements in the region to ensure better accessibility and transportation for both immediate relief efforts and long-term development projects.
Conclusion:
The additional funds received for flood relief in Haiti bring renewed hope to the affected communities. Through the provision of emergency food kits, construction of classrooms, and the implementation of agricultural tool banks, we are taking significant steps toward supporting the victims' recovery and fostering long-term development. Despite the challenges posed by road conditions and security concerns, the dedication of the project teams and the continued support of generous donors like you make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by the flood. Thank you for your invaluable contribution, and may you be blessed for your kindness.
More food is needed can you help one family?
Antonio Boursiquot - Project Director - Star of Hope Haiti Foundation
