Distribution of Goods in Haiti

We spent a lot of time at the port in Haiti on our last trip getting the three containers out for distribution.  We were very relieved as they left, and headed to their destinations.  One went to an orphanage and school in Carrefour where groups were contacted to come and pick up their goods, one went to Grand Goave and Leogane where again, groups came to pick up their boxes.  The final container was headed to Jeremie, but the road was not passable for a 40 foot container so the goods rested at an orphanage in Les Cayes before going on to Jeremie this week.

I wanted to share the notes of thanks I am receiving and a few pictures from the distribution process.  They are addressed to me, however the thanks truly belongs with the countless volunteers and donors who made this possible.  Everyone in Haiti was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the goods, the quality, and the generosity.  We sent over 2,000 boxes, all plastic (many of the groups we delivered to are still under tarps).  More than 20,000 people will benefit from the generosity of those in Northern California.

Stateside the biggest concern was that these donations might not reach the people who needed them.  I am very happy to report (as evidenced by these notes and photos) that the poorest of the poor have received the goods in a safe and fair distribution run by my partners in Haiti.  People to the north as far as Hinche, and to the west as far as Jeremie are getting items they badly need.  Many refugees from the earthquake have returned to Port au Prince, however a great number of people are now living in the rural areas where these types of supplies are not as easy to get.  Most of the groups we supplied care for many children and have little to no outside support.  The goods will be used, not sold as some feared.  It has been an incredible project, and again, as you read the comments from Haiti, if you volunteered your time, your goods, or financially assisted, please read these as if they were written to you directly:

I particularly want to thank you one more time for the goods and distribution has gone in a fair and safe way, my intention was at the beginning to take the goods to the compound of the orphanages and schools where they would be distributed but transportation has made this difficult for us ,the way I proceed was the following I request the headmaster of 2 orphanages to come and pick the goods and they will be responsible to distribute them to the orphans, those persons are very fair persons. One of them is a pastor running an orphanage for almost 7 to 10 years the other one is the one who is responsible of the orphanage where Sarah has stayed, they have both been provided with a lot of goods and I have also provided another pastor who is in charge of some churches and also responsible of church services for an orphanage with some goods and the latest persons to benefit from your effort were a priest who has also helped in hosting and welcoming Sarah  and the children of the schools run by my father.

I am so happy distribution has gone in a such fair and safe way and that the goods will effectively reach those in deep needs. Those persons who benefit from the goods will certainly appreciate to have the opportunity to meet you and thank you even  they have asked me to pass on their thanks to you.
-Jean Eudson Emmanuel Desrosiers, Leogane

Dear Michelle,
How are you doing? Im so sorry because we didn't see you guy's before you went you went back to U.S.A
I will send all those picture's for you tomorrow. you will be so happy to see them.
We didn't see the word to tell you how the children was so happy for the things you sent. you will see that betreen the picture.
God will bless you more than that.
-Augustin Ricardo, Lamb Center (Orphanage & School) Leogane

Dear Michelle,
What great woman you are. I am so grateful towards you for the gifts. Five orphanages already blessed thru you, dear Sister. May God continue to bless you. I am waiting for Pastor Isaac. Best to the whole family. Louis
-Pastor Louis St. Germain, El Sheddai Ministries, Les Cayes

Wall Photos

Goods delivered to Mission of Hope from Sirona Cares.  Thank you!
By: Renee Rosen Edme  (on facebook)

Comments

[Jacquelyn Settle]

So glad it arrived safely and got out of port in quick time. I know the people were excited by all the wonderful items you sent. Thank you San Francisco area for all you did for Haiti!!!!