Haiti Update – March 2010

What follows is the most recent updated from Haiti ARISE, the organization that UChurch supported with your generous donations!  Thank you, church, for showing the love of Jesus to the Haitians during this difficult time of need!

“Haiti ARISE is still heavily engaged in relief and rebuilding efforts in the community of Grand Goave. Marc reported from Haiti this week that there is an estimated combined force of 400 individuals, from both Haiti ARISE and Samaritan’s Purse, working to restore that community. The type of work is broad in scope including, heavy equipment operation, cooking, translating, building (latrines, homes, security walls and showers), cutting tarp shelters, hygiene, clearing of rubble, surface water management and structural assessments.

The technical school is successfully demolished and the footing cleared in preparation for new construction. New electrical panels are being installed to bring power to the church, new construction projects and the well.

The rebuilding of the security wall is progressing steadily. The south wall is already six rows high. The rebar and pillars for the new earthquake resistant design are being set along the west wall. The roughly projected cost of the wall, which received highest priority for the campus, is approximately $42,000 US.

The church body continues to grow and many are being saved. Haiti ARISE looks forward to the arrival of a large church tent dontated by City Church in Kirkland. Meanwhile the current shelter is bursting in an attempt to accommodate this growth.

Marc reported that every day they are reminded of the continual effects of the disaster and the loss of life. He lamented that this was underscored that very day as rubble was cleared to expose another body.

Much of the population in the Grand Goave is still displaced, as they are still fearful of entering their homes. When the assessment team visited, they were able to evaluate the structural integrity of a number of homes in the area. Many were deemed unsafe but there were many that were structurally sound. Residents were greatly relieved to receive the word that they could safely inhabit their homes. This type of assessment will continue. Meanwhile, the tent cities on and around the property are full of displaced families and individuals.

“It is very hard to see so many of these people all over the place,” Marc added, “Some have no tarps and just use bed sheets to protect themselves from the rains. This doesn’t work well so many are staying with others and many tents are overcrowded.”

The assessment team returned last week and is working on compiling their reports, which will soon be published to notify you of our plans as we go forward in the rebuilding process. Please visit our website Photo Gallery to view photos of our disaster relief response.”

Haiti ARISE Ministries

Written by Jennifer Kohlhammer

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