Haiti's People Continue to Endure Hardship

Despite being over a year since the Haitian earthquake, the spiritual and physical needs for the people of Haiti are still great. The death toll stands at an estimated 230,000 following the devastating events of January 12, 2010.

More than 3 million people were affected by the disaster, including some 634,000 who were displaced, having lost their families, residences, jobs, belongings, and way of life. These thousands are why the work done by Hope Force International and partner agencies has continued meeting the immediate needs of earthquake-affected populations by providing safe drinking water, food, household items, shelter, sanitation facilities, and health services. By receiving this care and compassion, people who have lost homes and livelihoods will be able to rebuild their nation and move towards becoming more self-sufficient.

Earlier this month, heavy rains and floods hit the Les Cayes peninsula of Haiti, 100 miles west of the capital Port au Prince, weeks before the expected rainy season. Flooding and mudslides have killed 23 people. However, The Catholic Relief Services reported on June 7 that the vast majority more than 99.5 percent% of its transitional shelters (t-shelters used to house the displaced population) withstood the heavy rains with no damage. While CRS reported limited overall damage to buildings, landslides caused by the rain damaged latrines and approximately 17 t-shelters in neighborhoods of Port-au-Prince.

Even before the heavy rains, health agencies have reported localized increases in suspected cholera cases. On May 27, the Haitian Government reported spikes in the Central, Southern, Southeastern, and Western portions of Haiti. On May 30, relief agencies noted significant increases in suspected cases at cholera treatment facilities (CTFs), particularly those in Port-au-Prince, where thousands of the displaced earthquake survivors are living. To help fight the onset of cholera, a reported 248 CTFs were functioning in Haiti's 10 departments as of June 1.

While physical and health issues remain high in Haiti, Hope Force is also looking toward spiritual needs. Several months ago Pastor Samuel Metelus, a strategic partner in the work of Hope Force in Haiti, asked HFI to consider speaking and sponsoring a pastor's conference in Haiti. Church leaders from throughout the southern portion of the country will gather for the three-day event.