Two months after Gonaives was hard-hit by tropical storm Jean, Haitian and international relief groups continue to provide support to the hundreds of thousands of

Haitian flood victims waiting for food in Gonaive Kallie La Gamma and members of the Greek Orthodox Church (Port Jefferson). Muller Noel of Artist Relief Funds For Haiti accepting over 70 bags of new clothes from the Greek Orthodox.

individuals affected by the storm. The powerful storm tore through Haiti’s third largest city in September, killing at least 3,000 people and leaving more 250,000 homeless.

Although the recovery efforts have provided immediate assistance to those in desperate needs, many families are still without homes, food, clean water, and other basic necessities.

Recent violence and political instability in Haiti have delayed financial assistance and meal provisions desperately needed for the recovery efforts in the Artibonite and Nord-Ouest departments, the two areas most affected by the storm. Reconstructive efforts have yet to begin in those areas that sustained heavy loss of life and damage to public infrastructure. So far, little has been done to repair the roads, school, health facilities and water and sanitation systems.

Haiti’s recovery efforts involved a larger number of international and local organizations, churches, medical personnel, staff and volunteers. These organizations include the United Nations, Care USA, The International Red Cross, European Commission, World vision, Haitian-American artists and musical groups, churches around the globe, and numerous international organizations.

Heritage Konpa Magazine would like to highlight one particular Haitian organization, the Eritaj Foundation Inc. Shortly after the storm, the group deployed six volunteers’ to assist with the recovery efforts.

The group has also set up the Gonaive Disaster Relief Committee, which compromised of community leaders and 18 institutions, including churches, schools, clinics and community projects. The 45 member group has a mandate to meet on a regular basis, device strategy, and develop ways to help with the reconstructive effort in the city.

With the assistance they receive from the Disaster Relief Fund, each member is responsible to reach out, counsel and support 12 other people. The group is eagerly expecting three 40-foot containers of in-kind contributions of clothes, shoes, school supplies and other items to distribute to their respective networks. According to Mirland Butler, director of Eritaj Foundation, more long-term relief efforts are underway to help the flood survivors.

If you would like to make a tax-deductube contribution to support Gonaive relief Efforts, donations may be sent to:

Eritaj Foundation Inc. Partnerships for a Better Haiti 73 Union Avenue,Framingham, MA 01702 PH/FAX:(508)620-1424 98 Ave. Lamartiniere,PortauPrince Haiti en face de l'Institut Francais PH/FAX: (509) 210-0508 www.eritajfoundation.org eritajfoundation@msn.com

ERITAJ FOUNDATION CHRONICLE

Gonaives Disaster Relief Committee

Six individuals traveled to Gonaives during the week of October 20 through October 22, to help to establish the Gonaives Disaster Relief Committee there. As many institutions abroad are motivated to help Haiti after Hurricane Jeanne, it is imperative that the leaders of Gonaives areincluded in those efforts. Fourteen churches have sent members to form the committee in addition to College Peniel des Gonaives, the Centre d'Accueil and the Volontariat pour le Development d'Haiti. The Director of the Caritas's office in Gonaives has agreed to receive the monthly budget for the committee.

The Gonaives Disaster Relief Committee has commissioned the leadership of this town to assist with its reconstruction. It will coordinate distribution of the 3 containers that are going to Gonaives with the help of Gonaives de Demain in Massachusetts, Greek Orthodox Church in Fort Jefferson, Christian Alliance in Texas and Haitian League of New Jersey. The committee is encouraged to approach distribution networks in Gonaives to offer support. We are askingthe helping community to enlist this constituent. In addition to efforts from Haitian groups, organizations such as Oxfam, Unicef, Care, the Red Cross, ACF, CRS and UNDAC are reported to be working in Gonaives. As the cornerstone of the city, the members of the committee can be helpful in the distribution process which has been a very challenging undertaking, due to the scope of chaos Hurricane Jeanne brought, the despair of the Gonaives people to get access to the assistance and reported activity of armed gangs trying to seize the goods.

The common aim is to alleviate suffering in Gonaives which lost over 3,000 people in the floods and left hundreds of thousands shattered. The best way of helping is to integrate efforts while emphasizing the need for transparency.

Massachusetts and New York Groups Help Haiti After Hurricane Jeanne

Artists Relief Fund For Haiti, New York

The past few months we have seen Haitians and the world come together
to help those who were affected by the tragedy in Gonaives. Artists Relief Fund for Haiti, along with Heritage Konpa Magazine is proud to have contributed in the relief effort in Gonaives, and our goal is to continue to do so. We would like to thank all those who have shown their concerns and support by donating cash, food, clothing, and their time. We want to particularly thank New York Medical College and Greek Orthodox Church ( Port Jefferson, Long Island) College for their tremendous generosity. The nation of Haiti needs us more than ever, and we are happy to work with Eritaj Foundation in their humanitarian efforts.... Full report