Friends of Haiti,
If we can all agree that what Haiti needs to solve its problems is earthquake- and hurricane-resistant hotels, then we are in business…because that is what’s in progress, some already started, some in the planning stages. The government believes this will attract more business travel as well as tourism. We can’t say this is “all wrong” because it is needed, but it would be hard to explain this need to the estimated 390,000 people still living in tents.
There is a program in place that is paying families $500 in U.S. money to move out of the tent city areas, but the families rightly worry, “What do we do next year?” According to a study completed by the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti, the program isn’t succeeding in moving families into adequate housing. It found that 40% of families are living in worse conditions than they were before the earthquake.
Having a job is the one thing that can change this. If you have the $500 to find rooms to rent for a year (and you can), and if you have a job then you don’t have the worry about housing for the coming year; or the ability to put your kids in school; or the ability to feed your family. What we would like to do is change the job situation wherever and however we can. But, as with anything we do there, we need your help and we need your ideas.
There are many ways for a person to earn a living in Haiti: sewing, carpentry, tire repair, shoe repair, even shining shoes is a way some make a living. Internet shops where people can email or make copies could be a big business, but all of it takes money to start and buy the things you need.
School is out for the summer; we appreciate all who give to help our schools and provide an education for the kids. The Bible program was a big success. Let’s put our heads together and see if there are any ideas out there to put some people to work.
As always thank you for everything you do to help. It all matters, it all helps and it all brings Glory to God.
Serving HIM together,
Steve and Terry
