Heartbreaking News from Haiti Outreach Ministries
It is heartbreaking to see the images coming out of the communities of Repatriote and Terre Noire in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. The heavy rains and massive flooding that took place on June 3 and 4 have left some families with nothing — homes and belongings that literally washed away — and so many others picking up the pieces of what were already rudimentary shelters to begin with. Clothes, shoes, and beds are gone. Street vending supplies used to eke out a meager living have disappeared. Ten days later, there is still standing water in many places, despite days of Haitian sunshine. That’s how much rain descended on these communities.
HOM’s Founder and Lead Pastor, Leon Dorleans, has been visiting devastated households since the rains came. He reports that people are in a state of shock and confusion, not knowing what to do. Some families have placed the belongings they have left — caked in mud and filth — out to dry in the hopes they can salvage a mattress or cooking pot.
These are families who were already dealing with the turmoil of gang violence, hyperinflation, and a cholera outbreak. This is a people who are still reeling from another recent earthquake and the unresolved assassination of their president. Haitians are steadfast in their faith and resolve, but as Pastor Leon says, “There are tears everywhere.”
Leon and the pastoral team are prioritizing the hardest-hit families in Repatriote and Terre Noire for HOM flood relief assistance. The biggest need will be constructing new homes for those who have lost their shelters, as well as replacing roofs and making other home repairs. Other priority needs include helping households replace basic goods (clothing, shoes, birth certificates, IDs) and restarting street vending businesses.
Support for this relief work is urgent, as it will surely rain again soon with the tropical storm season underway. Haiti lies in the beautiful yet perilously situated Caribbean, a perfect target for future weather events.
Haiti needs hope more than ever. Thank you for any support you can provide. We cherish your prayers and friendship.
In Christ,
Caroline Chambre Hammock
Executive Director
www.haitiom.org
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support the mission and ministry of Haiti Outreach Ministries. All gifts of any size are welcomed to help set up new workshops for skills development and to provide scholarships for students. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.