Disaster Relief

haiti kid with ballon

A balloon lights up the face of an injured child.

We're glad to report that AFSC’s assessment team has returned safely from Haiti where they spent time in Port-au-Prince viewing firsthand the immense devastation of the capital city.  They report that the formal structures that keep a country running were very hard hit, especially because many government ministers and mid-level civil servants died in the quake.  Many institutions that were the pillars of the community such as churches, medical facilities, and schools were badly damaged or were destroyed.  

haitian child check up

Our partner Handicap International's staff helping a child in Haiti.

Geri Sicola, AFSC Associate General Secretary  and Jorge Laffitte, director of the Latin America/Caribbean region have been in Haiti for several days and are continuing their assessment to find potential longer-term projects for AFSC.

Jorge Laffitte

Jorge Laffitte, AFSC director of the Latin America/Caribbean region.

“I did not see signs of panic in the city.”

Jorge Laffitte, AFSC director of the Latin America/Caribbean region, traveled to Haiti yesterday and sent a few observations via Skype.  He is doing well, has begun his assessment to find potential longer-term projects for AFSC, and has visited with the AFSC-funded food distribution program.

“The situation in Port-au-Prince is calm, but transit in Port-au-Prince is chaotic.  It may take more than an hour to move between short distances.