GWHRC Marks One Month Anniversary of Earthquake in Haiti

Washington, D.C.  February 12, 2010 . . . Greater Washington Haiti Relief Committee marked the one month anniversary of the earthquake in Haiti by calling for more doctors, nurses, and medical supplies and teams to meet the growing needs due to the shrinking pool of medical attendants. At a candlelight vigil this afternoon, the organization drew attention to staggering statistics showing the scope and level of the massive devastation and its impact on the people of Haiti.

According to Stanley Lucas, co chairman, approximately 3.5 million people were affected, 400,000 people have been injured, over 40,000 are amputee victims, and one million children are orphaned or have lost one parent.  “Over 235,000 have been buried,” he said, “and up to 70,000 have not been recovered.”

Lucas, stated that while great recovery efforts have taken place, a large volume of doctors and nurses are returning to their native countries  creating a huge vacuum for medical care in Haiti.

In addition to the vigil, GWHRC volunteers spent the afternoon digging the Haitian Embassy out of the snow to draw attention to the plight of Haitians digging out from the rubble and to launch a fundraising campaign for recovery and rebuilding.   GWHRC and its members launched the digging to demonstrate that the Haitian community is not stopping just because of the snow, and efforts will continue until Haiti has its full R&R: Recovery and Rebuilding.

GWHRC has been effective in recovery efforts such as coordinating the travel of medical teams and shipping supplies, food and water to Haiti.

GWHRC is a coalition of grassroots and international organizations around the United States created in 2008 to respond to the four hurricanes that hit Haiti.  The organization promotes solidarity within the Haitian-American community by serving as a liaison with Haiti for non-profit groups, organizations and others under one umbrella in order to effectively and efficiently channel aid and donations to the country.  GWHRC is not affiliated with any particular group.  In coordination with its partners, GWHRC offers neutral humanitarian assistance and care to the victims of devastating natural disasters in Haiti.  The organization has initiated discussions on long-term strategies and approaches to address key development issues in Haiti.

Simon and Schuster, through its Pimsleur Resellers is donating at no charge full Kreyol downloadable courses to support the Haitian Relief Effort.

For more information:

Go to: Pimsleur Audio

GWHRC Establishes Website for Haiti Relief Volunteers

WASHINGTON, DC - January 19, 2010 - The GWHRC has established a website for volunteers wishing to help with the Haiti earthquake relief efforts.  The information collected by the website will be utilized to capture specific skill sets and availability of those wishing to volunteer.  We need a variety of volunteers from those who can help sort and pack donated items to those who are available to answer phones to doctors that can go to Haiti.

We remain in need of volunteers who can provide services locally and will need volunteers willing to go to Haiti to provide assistance. For relief efforts in Haiti, we will need medical professionals, along with engineers, teachers, counselors, and other professions.

The website is https://volunteer.gwhrc.org.  GWHRC is asking everyone to visit this website and register your information.  Even volunteers that previously filled out forms at events over the weekend, we encourage you to re-register the information at the website.

All information will be securely stored and only accessible by authorized users with GWHRC and the Embassy.

The Embassy and the GWHRC greatly appreciate all the support from the volunteers thus far.  The outpouring of volunteers and donations this past Sunday at the Embassy and on Monday at the warehouse was truly an exceptional example of compassion and public spirit.

We thank you all for your generosity and for caring about the people of Haiti in our time of need.

What does it take to register for disaster relief service?

• During the on-line registration process, you will be asked to enter information regarding your skills, capabilities, and license information (if applicable).
• Enter the requested information making sure to include the best way to contact you, and other relevant background information.
• Once you've registered, your information will only be viewed by authorized system managers.

Once I'm registered, what happens next?

• You will be contacted with information updates and volunteering opportunities in response to the Haiti relief effort.
• If a decision is mad to request your service, you will be contacted using the information you enter on the site. If you agree to deploy, your information will be forwarded to the appropriate officials.

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release: January 13, 2010 Contact: Magalie Emile

Greater Washington Haïti Relief Committee (GWHRC)

Coordination of Emergency Response Efforts in the Aftermath of the January 12, 2010 Earthquake

Our hearts and prayers go to our brothers and sisters who have been impacted by this catastrophic earthquake. With support of the Embassy of Haïti in Washington D.C., the Greater Washington Haïti Relief Committee (GWHRC) will serve as point of contact to coordinate regional assistance and recovery efforts offered by our friends in the international community. GWHRC will continue to channel information and serve as a centralized portal for the national capital region.

GWHRC is a coalition of local and international organizations developed with the support of the Haitian Embassy in Washington D.C. to streamline efforts during disaster relief. This group was first convened in 2008 to respond to the series of Hurricanes that hit Haïti that year.

Immediately following the earthquake, GWHRC organizers promptly re-convened at the Haitian Embassy in Washington D.C. to develop a plan of actions namely: organizing activities that will enable members of the community to voice concerns; serving as a resource communication vehicle; pooling resources to avoid duplicating efforts; and effectively delivering relief to the millions impacted. As stated by Albert Decady, one of the organizers, “efforts are underway to recruit volunteer doctors, medical health care professionals, and engineers willing to fly to Haïti to provide assistance.”

To bolster GWHRC’s response effort, we are recruiting volunteers, organizing fundraising activities, and making outreach to elected officials and federal entities. For more information on how to support this effort, please contact Magalie Emile at 240-425-3438.

Our country is in a time of crisis. In Unity there is Strength—L’Union Fait La Force. The Diaspora is the life line of Haïti and much is required of us, particularly now. We also call on ALL friends of Haïti and the community at large to support Haïti in this time of need.