DISASTER RELIEF
On January 12th Haiti experienced a devastating earthquake that destroyed infrastructure and took lives across the nation. Weeks of aftershocks deepened the level of destruction and further destabilized the country and its citizens. Despite the circumstances, Project Eden, like many other international organizations across the world, rallied to provide aid. Our first response was toward our “partner on the ground” Grace International.
Grace International is a recognized non-profit, community-based organization in Carrefour, an area outside Port-au-Prince. In normal times, Grace housed nearly 100 orphans and elderly women across two compounds. After the earthquake, Grace’s primary compound became a tent city for more than 15,000 individuals and families. Even though the buildings on their property are completely uninhabitable, Grace continues to provide food, clean drinking water, and shelter to their guests, as well as endeavoring to protect them to the best of their ability.
Project Eden, as a committed goodwill and monetary partner, worked diligently to help Grace meet the needs of the people. Our efforts included:
Coordination – Project Eden (PE) leveraged contacts and relationships along with partners on the ground to draw immediate attention to the devastation Grace was experiencing. PE alerted the United Nations and other organizations that no food or water resources were being sent by military and aid organizations to the Carrefour region. Ultimately, Grace was selected as a certified distribution center.
Food & Supplies – Within a matter of days, Project Eden, working with Master’s Touch Ministries, was able to deliver food, medical supplies and immediate humanitarian relief items to displaced people at Grace within a matter of days.
Transportation – Together with Grace’s other partner organizations, Project Eden purchased a small semi-flatbed truck for Grace to haul food, water and medical supplies being shipped in from Port-au-Prince harbors and the airport. This effort led to Grace’s selection as a certified distributor and allows continuous support from their campus to the entire Carrefour region.
Shelter – Project Eden sent tents as temporary shelter for Grace residents. PE has accelerated its original Housing and Infrastructure Development program and anticipates a 2010 launch to rebuild homes.
