The recent Hurricanes that hit Haiti left orphanages—including Good Samaritan—destroyed. There are more than 2,000 people homeless in the town of Cabaret alone with over 500 people dead and many more expected to be found. The disaster is profound

HAITI (ANS) -- With the death toll well over a thousand, hurricanes Hanna and Ike left its destructive path in Haiti. 8,000 more are reported homeless.

Gonaïves, in northern Haiti, has been almost entirely cut off by Hanna's floodwaters and newly created lakes have formed over most roads.

Mission of Hope (MOH), who works with the hurting and less fortunate in Haiti, has mobilized disaster relief efforts in cooperation with other organizations and the government MOH president Brad Johnson is in Haiti coordinating such efforts.

“After some 12 years working in Haiti I've never seen such disaster,” said Johnson. “The scenes are incredibly disturbing.”

Flash flooding brought streams of water from the mountains through the village of Cabaret near the MOH campus leaving over 2,000 people homeless. At least 100 children and elderly are reported dead.

Mission of Hope is responding to this urgent need with immediate supplies. Trucks with food and water have arrived in Cabaret. Six helicopters have been sent to Gonaïves in North Haiti with food, water, and basic supplies

Over 100,000 meals have been delivered to stranded Haitians by either helicopter or ground transportation. “It's because of partnerships and preparation with other ministries we can provide such relief,” said Johnson.

Two years ago a storm not as strong as either Gustav or Hanna left 2,000 people dead there. Many remain on their roofs seeking assistance. An orphanage that MOH supports in Gonaïves with 450 children is greatly affected. Further reports claim another orphanage with 2,000 children has lost all its buildings, supplies, belongings and food.

MOH financial administrator Marilyn Waterman says the destruction from the hurricane is causing significant financial strain on its operation.

“Beyond the relief for this disaster it will take thousands of dollars to rebuild and help them re-begin life again,” said Waterman. “All form of crops or any way to make money washed away with this storm for them.”

The government postponed school to begin until October 1.
To donate or learn more about Mission of Hope go to www.mohhaiti.org or call 816.246.7774.

The Mission of Hope touches thousands of lives daily in Haiti through the Church of Hope, School of Hope, the Hope House Orphanage, Feed A Child program and through medical teams in the Hospital of Hope.

Russ Jones is the President/CEO of BIG Picture Media Group, Inc.
504 N. Main - Newton, KS 67114
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