Jacmel Relief Project

Update: HERO's First Trip to Haiti

Following the January 12, 2010 earthquake that devastated a great deal of Port-au-Prince as well as many other cities in Haiti, members of the Haiti Environmental rescue Organization (HERO) were quite apprehensive about our trip to the country. Our Haitian members were anxious about seeing the gruesome reality in close proximity for the first time; fearful that we would no longer recognize our mother country. For our non-Haitian members, our dear friends, uneasiness lie in the fear of the unknown. It was undoubtedly a shock to all of us when we learned that our mercy flight to Haiti was cancelled and that each person form the HERO group had to cover his/her own fare for the journey. But after much equivocation, we were able to come together as one unit, and under the auspices of HERO, a group of 13 concerned individuals (academics, nurses, public service workers, and technicians) left O'Hare airport and arrived in Prot-au-Prince, Haiti on March 24, 2010. Upon arriving at the Capital, we immediately embarked on our four hour journey to Jacmel, and to the residency of one of our Co- directors, Gide Colinet, who was kind enough to open his home to our group.

Along the way from Port-au-prince to Jacmel, we witnessed how unforgiving nature was toward our cities and toward our people. The level of devastation is, without any doubt, astronomical. Every which way lay enormous piles of concrete intermingled with metal wire and shreds of clothes and rubbish; and large tent communities stood every few mile–some tents situated in front of homes still standing, their owners untrusting of the structures' precarious foundation. It is truly a catastrophe of biblical proportion.

Upon arriving to the Colinets' residency, we began our work by dividing into two groups: one to oversee food distribution and the other to go to Emmanuel Medical Center to assist a team of doctors who joined us from Atlanta, GA and Michigan. With the funds collected during our earthquake relief campaign for Haiti, we were able to acquire rice, beans, and smoked fish to be packed in bags and distributed to the people of Jacmel. Much of our food was purchased locally in order to help stimulate Jacmel's economy. Following a few hot nights and days of arduous labor, the crew was able to pack and distribute over 2,000 bags of food to more than 500 school children and their families at several locations.

The sight of handing bags of foods to each child will forever be imprinted on my mind. In spite of the need that these children and their families are facing, the discipline, the patience, and the politeness displayed by these youngsters were truly outstanding while waiting in line to receive their portions. Had I the chance, I would have gladly expressed my congratulations to each individual family for instilling such poise and grace in their children.

From the medical perspective, the need was overwhelming. Many of the patients visiting Emmanuel Medical Center had come from all over Haiti's Southeastern region. They arrived from distant communities where medical care is non-existent. It was encouraging and yet heart-breaking to witness the appreciation expressed by those people from the smallest gestures of kindness. Following a simple prayer, a hand shake, a friendly conversation, an offering of candy, a word of comfort, a get-well card, or even following a painful shot, the people never forgot to thank the provider and to bless him/her for coming from far away to help. While leaving Jacmel to return to Port-au-Prince, as we stopped several times along the road to give away a blanket, an air mattress, umbrellas, a tent, or a dollar here and there, the smiles that followed the words of appreciation truly filled us with a sensation of joy–the ability to make a small, however momentary, difference in the life of another made our trip beyond worthwhile. Although the people of Haiti are more resigned of their condition and are bracing themselves to rebuild the country, it is a reality that this endeavor will take many years to be accomplished. For those who are directly affected, they need our support in all aspects until stable housing can be developed. To continue our relief effort benefiting the earthquake victims of Haiti, HERO is calling upon all of you to make a small contribution, in coalition with Dr. Rose-May August, to support the reconstruction of a clinic in Leogane, and to establish HERO's office in Haiti along with the creation of a vocational school to educate the youth so they can become active participants in the rebuilding of their country.

As a reminder, the Haiti Environmental Rescue Organization (HERO) is a not for profit organization free of bureaucratic red tape. All contributions incurred, which are tax deductible to the provider, will enable HERO to make available to the people of Haiti the necessary resources they so urgently need to abate their pain and suffering. Through the five committees of HERO, in less than two months of intense activities, we were able to collect enough money to provide food for hundreds of people in Jacmel. To help the staff of Emmanuel Medical Center acquire some of the medicine and materials to care for their patients, a check in the amount of $4,000.00 (US) was presented to Dr. Phillip by our organization. Furthermore, our education committee, under the leadership of Dr. John Bradley and Professor Gide Colinet, was able to secure scholarships space for Haitian students at the university level who were affected by the earthquake. With your help, we will be able to do so much more.

We do believe, as poet/politician, Aime Cesaire, said so well, "Haiti est la terre classique des impossibilities possible"-"Haiti is the classical land of possible impossibilities." Given the resilient, proud nature of the Haitian people, we are confident that Haiti has a bright future ahead. We are committed to helping positive "possible impossibilities" come to fruition in Haiti, and we hope you will join us in this endeavor.

Serge Fontaine
HERO Founder and Co-Director



Purpose: Provide ongoing medical and food relief to the people of Jacmel.

After the devastating earthquake on January 12, 2010, the need for help in Haiti has been unfathomable. HERO adopted the city of Jacmel which is located on the southeast coast of the island. Jacmel, the fourth largest city in Haiti, has seen limited aid, few doctors and medical personnel, and diminishing supplies. HERO will send a rotating team of medical professionals to provide the care the people so desperately need. Additionally, volunteers will distribute food, water, and other basic necessities.

THE PEOPLE OF HAITI NEED YOUR HELP!

Haiti is no longer headline news, however the devastation persists. Your help and support is desperately needed.

Please become a HERO partner and support our ongoing efforts.