It has been nearly two weeks since the Grande Saline area flooded and much of the community is still dealing with standing water. The situation is desperate for many families. People lost their homes, possessions, and their gardens. The standing water makes it unsafe and difficult for anyone to move around, and many families have no where to go.

When the water finally recedes there will be a lot of work to do to clean the school and church and to replace and repair the school items that were destroyed or damaged by the water. However, for now, the most pressing need to to support the families who are sick and hungry. Working with the community leaders, we have learned that one way we can help is to help provide funding for kits for the affected families. Each kit will contain some food (rice, beans, pasta, oil, canned fish) and some soaps for cleaning. The cost of each family kit is $43. It is estimated that nearly 200 families are in need of assistance.

We are very concerned for the health of the community. The lack of sanitation and the standing water has led to many people suffering from vomiting and diarrhea. Among the sick are some of our beloved friends and partners, including our long-time dedicated cook, Daniella, and our former student and current dedicated teacher, Marckenson.

Please keep Daniella, Marckenson, their families, and all who are impacted by this disaster in your thoughts and prayers. Both Daniella and Marckenson have been a part of Health for Haiti for many years, and have worked tirelessly to support their community. We send them our love and hope that they will have a full recovery.

There is some good news to report, although the road is flooded and people must wade through knee-deep water to reach it, the water system is still functioning and providing safe, clean water for the community to drink. Also, we learned today that the rice seems to be surviving the flood and the farmers are hopeful it will survive.

Health for Haiti is grateful for the support of our local community as we stand with our friends in Grande Saline For a population that was already vulnerable, this situation feels overwhelming. We are in frequent communication with the community and will do what we can to support them through this terrible time. Thank you.