Local Haitian organizations taking donations for earthquake relief in Haiti

Because the Rev. Dieufort Fleurissaint describes the a number of social crises which have troubled his homeland of Haiti over the previous couple of months, it’s virtually tough to wrap one’s head round all of them.

President Jovenel Moïse assassinated and his spouse injured in July, elevated gang violence, a kidnapping crisis, together with the continuing widespread poverty. These had been challenges Fleurissant and the 1000’s of Haitians and Haitian Individuals knew about. 

Then got here the earthquake on Saturday, with a death toll now round 2,000, and accidents now numbering close to 10,000.

“This actually hurts a lot,” stated Fleurissaint, a chair of Haitian-Americans United, Inc., based mostly in Mattapan. “We’re all the time longing for a greater Haiti … Now it’s only one disaster after one other one.”

Although Fleurissaint moved to the States about 40 years in the past, he nonetheless maintains a powerful reference to Haiti, and has household there. He’s considered one of thousands of Haitians dwelling in Massachusetts, largely within the Larger Boston space. There have been about 86,000 in 2017; Fleurissaint stated that quantity is probably going nearer to 100,000 now.

“We thank God we have now no misplaced lives in my speedy household,” he stated. “However I do have colleagues and associates who’ve misplaced members of the family.”

His niece, nonetheless, is among the many individuals trying to shelter exterior. Her residence was broken through the earthquake, Fleurissaint stated, and “frequent aftershocks” make her and her household fearful to go inside.

Many Haitians have been compelled exterior as a result of earthquake, and on Monday, rain from Tropical Storm Grace tore on the fragile shelters that they had been utilizing.

Haitians, and Haitian-Individuals, actually take into consideration the devastation, and the way it looks as if the nation has been compelled to tackle one problem after one other, whether or not it’s pure catastrophe or inside struggles. However in addition they consider a greater Haiti, in keeping with Fleurissaint.

On the middle of that’s hope, and spiritual religion.

“That is the place we draw our energy as a result of we’re serving the God of hope,” Fleurissaint stated. “He has all the time given us hope.”

Up till not too long ago, Fleurissaint stated he would make yearly journeys to Haiti, noting that he’s finished missionary work prior to now, together with supporting a faculty there. Pastoral retreats had been held there additionally.

When he thinks of the Caribbean nation, he thinks of the tradition and meals, the nice and cozy climate, the seashores and sand. 

And there’s additionally the folks. Fleurissaint stated those that dwell on the outskirts of cities will give you a recent avocado, mango, or coconut.

“The persons are so pleasant,” he stated.

To assist Haiti, Haitian-Individuals United has teamed up with the Affiliation of Haitian Girls in Boston and different native organizations. They’re taking donations particularly for earthquake reduction.

A process drive was additionally created to debate methods to assist, and this has been damaged into two phases: offering monetary assist to grassroots organizations within the space devastated by the earthquake, and accumulating needed medical provides and tools, with a plan to report again to the general public. Because it launched on Monday, fundraising has reached $2,400, Fleurrisaint stated.

The HAU already has connections with different Haitian organizations in Massachusetts, and likewise has ties to grassroots organizations in Haiti after working with them within the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew in 2016, and after the 2010 earthquake.

“We all know that Haiti has been assisted and supported by so many world organizations – we have now so many associates and allies,” Fleurissaint stated. However then there’s the variety of folks affected by the newest tragedy. “The necessity is so immense, so massive.”

For these enthusiastic about donating to the collaborative fundraising efforts of the HAU and different organizations, these could be despatched by verify to H.A.U., P.O. Field 260440, Mattapan, MA, with “Haiti August 2021 Earthquake” within the memo line, by making a direct deposit to Account quantity 07-774-15001 at East Boston Financial savings Financial institution, or by Paypal. 

For an inventory of different organizations accumulating donations and assist for Haiti within the wake of the earthquake, click here.