YMCA increases relief effort

5 March 2010

More than seven weeks after the earthquake that devastated Haiti, Port-au-Prince looks like an unfinished painting, says Gwenael Apollon, General Secretary of YMCA Haiti.

A girl carries water in a camp for homeless families set up on a golf course in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Photo by: Paul Jeffrey/ACT Alliance

“Over 200,000 have lost their lives, and people continue to flee Port-au-Prince, Leogane, Grand Goave and Petit Goave for more secure areas, while others are desperately trying to get visas to leave the country. The rest simply try to survive and help others do the same.”

Most people are living in tents in large camps, some of which house up to 8,000 people. The sanitary conditions are so bad that there are fears of an epidemic; rats, cockroaches and mosquitoes are everywhere. This, combined with accumulating garbage and waste is creating a hazardous environment. Worse still, the rainy season is on its way and this will bring new obstacles to the ongoing relief work. The cities of Les Cayes, Aquin and Hinche are already fighting against the floods.

YMCA responds to urgent needs
Since the earthquake, YMCA Haiti, with support from the Dominican Republic YMCA, Y Care International and other international YMCA partners, has been working tirelessly to provide lifesaving support to earthquake victims.

The YMCA has successfully coordinated two aid convoys into Haiti from the Dominican Republic, carrying critical relief items such as food, medicine and other supplies. The Mexican Government has also donated a large shipment of food, equipment and other supplies to YMCA Haiti. Local YMCA staff and volunteers continue distributing these items to families who are desperately in need.

The YMCA is also working to obtain large tents to serve as a temporary base, so that it can resume its activities as soon as possible. They plan to offer critical services such as psychosocial counselling and education and hope to collaborate with other organisations to provide on-site medical services and food distribution on a larger scale.

YMCA plans for Reconstruction and Rehabilitation
In the longer term, the YMCA’s work to support children’s physical, emotional and intellectual development will be vital. They plan to provide a safe haven as Haiti begins the long journey towards reconstruction, where children and their families can engage in positive activities under the supervision of trained staff and volunteers. They also plan to organise community events and referral services in collaboration with other aid agencies.

If you would like to donate to our Haiti Emergency Appeal, please click here.