VivirLatino

HAITI FLOOD RELIEF
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees (HWHR) is mobilizing solidarity support with Lakou New York to provide relief to flood victims Haiti. Lakou New York is a grassroots media outlet that connects members of the Haitian community to social justice movements through alternative news reporting, dialogue, and activist initiatives. HWHR was founded by Haitian women in 1992, to respond to the refugee crisis faced by Haitian immigrants in the U.S. and Guantanamo Bay. Both organizations have worked together on various projects, including flood disaster relief for Haiti and the Dominican Republic in 2004 and both provide cultural programs that include popular education and community organizing.

In recent weeks, Tropical storms Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Ike have battered the coast and interior of Haiti. More than 1000 people have already been confirmed dead. The port city of Gonaives is under water, and the once-fertile Artibonite valley has been devastated by the opening of the biggest hydroelectric dam on the island. Never having fully recovered from the hurricanes of 2004, the southeastern agricultural region of Mapou is now isolated due to flooded roads.

As Haiti’s most vulnerable populations – rural peasants and the urban poor – struggle to re-organize with limited international assistance, HWHR and Lakou New York are appealing for solidarity to assist three important initiatives which will serve communities in hard-to-reach areas:

- HWHR is sending two members to Mapou, to bring initial solidarity aid and assess the needs first hand.

- We are collecting medical supplies to support the members of the Cuban Medical Brigade (traveling doctors) based in the coastal city of Jacmel.

- We will provide school supplies for the Kole Zepol elementary school project in Site Soley

Surviving victims are faced with an immediate threat of diseases and a raging diarrhea epidemic, the result of the drinkable water supply being contaminated by rains, mud and stagnant water containing dead bodies. The hurricane season is not over. While international humanitarian aid has reached some affected areas, it is limited, and certainly has not reached some of the most devastated areas. Meanwhile the death toll is expected to rise, as thousands of people are reported missing.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
To help our fellow Haitians, HWHR is collecting the following donations:

DRY FOODS: Nutritional bars, fruit & nut bars, cereal bars. NO CAN FOODS PLEASE

FIRST AID SUPPLIES: Rehydration salts, water purification tablets, antibiotic and antifungal (Mycology) creams, anti-allergy medication, anti-parasite medication, Tylenol, anti-diarrhetics, vitamins, gauze, tape and insect repellent.

PERSONAL HYGIENE GOODS: Toothpaste, tooth brushes, deodorant, sanitary napkins, soap and new underwear.

OTHER ITEMS: Tea Light candles & quality batteries (AA & D). NO CLOTHING , except brand new underwear.

Those who wish to make tax deductible $ donations can send checks payable to IFCO/ Haitian Relief, 418 West 145th Street, New York, NY 10031

DROP-OFF HOURS ARE Mon & Wed. 2:30-8:30 P.M.

HAITIAN WOMEN FOR HAITIAN REFUGEES
335 Maple Street, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY For more info: call (718) 735- 4660
(Please use rear entrance on Lincoln Road between Nostrand and New York Avenue)