I’m glad to report that AFSC’s assessment team arrived safely in Haiti earlier this week.   They have been visiting sites where AFSC’s initial response of medical and shelter supplies and food are being distributed.  They are visiting informal neighborhood camps and talking with people who are now homeless after the earthquake, as well as meeting international and local Haitian organizations to identify where AFSC’s expertise can best be used long term.   

Our staff report that the city is surprisingly calm, the damage to the infrastructure and government is immense, and many residents are resiliently continuing daily life among the rubble.   Traffic is heavy and slow moving, so cars can avoid people living on the street.  People are sleeping under the open sky or in tents and remain afraid of sleeping indoors.  Those who can are giving tent space in their yards.  

AFSC’s initial funds of $100,000 for immediate aid have been gratefully received.  With $50,000 from AFSC, Swiss Interchurch Aid is providing 10,000 meals in three of the most needy neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince.   Our second disbursement of $50,000 helped transport medical supplies and kits with Handicap International: about $3,000 for medical freight shipment and $47,000 for emergency shelter kits that include blankets, plastic sheeting, ropes, mats, water filters, 15 liter Jerrycans, and cooking sets. 

The assessment team will spend a few more days in Haiti and they expect to bring back ideas for AFSC to consider for next steps in Haiti.

In addition to our direct response in Haiti, the Service Committee is helping immigrants, particularly in the Miami and New York metropolitan area.  Both locations have significant numbers of Haitians who, under President Obama’s recent decision, now quality for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for up to 18 months.  Haitians who resided in the United States as of January 12, 2010, and whose paperwork is approved will be protected from detention and deportation, and they can obtain employment authorization.

Since the announcement of TPS for Haitians, AFSC staff have “spread the word,” offering up-to-date and accurate information to immigrants via the media, a Creole-language radio show, and community meetings.  This is particularly important since we have heard reports of many attempts to defraud Haitians attempting to file TPS applications.  AFSC volunteers and staff are already processing applications and fielding questions.

We will continue to send updates on AFSC’s Haiti response.  Meanwhile, I encourage you to check our website at www.afsc.org/haiti. 

Please help us get the word out to Friends Meetings and publications.   You can send out the following update about AFSC’s work for your Meeting newsletter, blog, or email list.

The American Friends Service Committee’s assessment team in Haiti reports that while the situation is calm, needs are great.   Many in Haiti are now homeless, living in temporary camps or sleeping in the streets.  In Haiti, AFSC has granted $50,000 to provide 10,000 meals for 100 days and another $50,000 to transport medical supplies and provide emergency shelter materials for medical teams.   The Service Committee is thankful for the generous contributions from thousands of Friends and others and is in the process of determining a longer-term plan that supports a Haitian-led recovery.  For more information, please visit the web site, www.afsc.org/haiti.       

Finally, as you know, AFSC Board member Taylor Brelsford’s daughter and son were injured during the earthquake in Port-au-Prince. Please join me in holding them, and all in Haiti and in the Haitian diaspora, in the Light.

Sincerely,

Mary Ellen McNish
General Secretary, AFSC