USC Football Players to Haiti

Haiti's devastating earthquake in January 2010 galvanized the world to reach out to a nation suffering from untold destruction. An estimated 230,000 people lost their lives as a result of Haiti's magnitude-7 earthquake, which provided a backdrop for shocking scenes of destruction that even seasoned aid workers found unbelievable. Aid agencies report that nearly 700,000 people still have not been able to return "home" as a result of the widespread destruction of dwellings across the country.

Hope Force International had personnel on the ground shortly after the disaster and remains committed to helping Haiti rebuild. In addition to deploying orthopedic surgical teams and supplies, HFI established a field-based emergency clinic in Leogane, the epicenter of the devastation. This field effort was co-led by Hope Force Reservist and USC alum Les Barkley.

Since then HFI has continued to promote sustainable recovery in Sous Savanne, a village in the Leogane area. Current efforts include medical initiatives, the Child Sponsorship Program and the "Houses of Hope" project, which will provide homes for those in dire need of shelter. In anticipation of continued relief efforts, Hope Force has also established a permanent team in Haiti to coordinate the organization's programmatic initiatives.

On May 12, 2012, Hope Force will send an outstanding volunteer group of 15 players from the University of Southern California 2012 Trojans football team to Haiti to lend strong hands to the Haitian people. This Trojan team will be led by Les Barkley, and include captains and senior leaders, T.J. McDonald, Matt Barkley, Khaled Holmes and Devon Kennard. During the week of May 14th, these USC football players will complete a "work blitz" in Haiti that includes:

1) Building three or more homes for those in desperate need of shelter

2) Painting as many as five homes to increase the longevity of these and existing dwellings

3) Participating in food distribution

4) Providing much-needed supplies to local schools and orphanages

A primary focus of the USC team will be to work with "Houses of Hope", a HFI project launched in 2012 to provide durable homes for 15 families who are currently living in squalid conditions. The team will help construct three or more of these 15 housing kits.

Manufactured by Maxima, the homes to be built are made of pressure-treated pine with a metal roof. The frame of the house is built using lightweight materials to increase safety in the event of another earthquake. Each has a four-foot exterior block wall and a concrete foundation to ensure durability. Each kit include frames, plywood siding, rafters, roofing materials, anchors, hurricane straps, nails, doors and shutters. They will be constructed by the USC team, with the aid of local laborers and the beneficiaries themselves.

Additionally, funds will be raised to provide latrines for the three homes at a cost of $4,800 which will serve to improve the overall health of the recipients and the community. The team will also spend time at schools and orphanages to deliver supplies, hope and encouragement, as well as joining in sports activities with local youth and visiting families and individuals in the Sous Savanne area.

Hope Force is seeking donations from those with a heart to help this team of Trojan football players in their efforts to bring tangible support to the Haitian people. To support the "2012 Trojans to Haiti" project, simply link to Donate Now. Under Program Designation specify the 2102 Trojans to Haiti option.