Carmen James Lane from the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation opened the forum, and then introduced Yves Dayiti, radio host from WPFW, who moderated the discussion. Dayiti then introduced panel members Noelle Haile, IMPACT Silver Spring; Brian Grzelkowski, Mercy Corps; Nichole Lee, TransAfrica Forum; Donna Barry, Partners in Health; and Leonie Hermatin, Lambi Fund of Haiti.
The Way Ahead
Haiti’s lack of infrastructure, already weak before the earthquake, was nearly non-existent afterwards. Food, water and supplies could not reach Port au Prince, and many Haitian and non-government organizations (NGOs) based in Port au Prince were lost in the earthquake. It’s slowly getting better, and the forum participants outlined their strategies to continue in Haiti’s recovery.
Most important, according to Hermatin, was that NGOs to listen to what Haitians need and to give them a “seat at the table.” “Top down kills,” she said, adding that the grass roots approach is best.
The Lambi Fund of Haiti, who works with rural populations, will offer microloans to Haitian farmers so they may grow and sell more food. Hermatin said that the earthquake forced many Haitians from Port au Prince to migrate into rural communities, causing those populations to quadruple in some areas. Farmers have used up their food reserve to support the influx, and as many as 20 people now live in a 10 foot by 10 foot shanty. Worse, many of the migrated Haitians do not have agricultural skills and cannot support themselves or their families.
Noelle Haile listens as Brian Grzelkowski shares Mercy Corps’ long term plan to assist with Haiti’s recovery. (Photo by Janice Kaplan)
Mercy Corps is seeking partners to assist with medium to long term emergency response, psycho-social support, economic recovery, and educational and vocational training.
Partners in Health, whose 4,000 members in Haiti were able to respond immediately after the earthquake, will continue to focus on immediate medical support to the injured. They will also address the millions of Haitians who suffered an earthquake-related mental health issue, rehabilitative medicine and the medical needs of the displaced. Long term, they plan to rebuild medical and nursing education in Haiti and to concentrate on food, water, nutrition and other health-based issues.
IMPACT Silver Spring will continue to connect local Haitians with their relatives in Haiti and offer other support services.
Wise Ways to Give
Donor fatigue is a real concern, and the problem stems from poor tracking of donated funds by the organizations and foundations, not the need in Haiti. To give wisely, the panel offered these suggestions.
1. Donate to organizations whose members are in Haiti and provide direct support, such as operating hospitals, providing medical care and distributing food. Most NGOs who have a long track record in Haiti are good, but find out which ones are operable. Panel members praised Partners in Health and Doctors without Borders for their long-term work in Haiti and their immediate response after the earthquake.
2. Bigger is not always better. Some of the larger and well-known non-profits may not put all donations into direct program support. This may be especially true if they are not physically represented in Haiti. Check their Charity Navigator rating (good to do for any non-profit, regardless of size) before sending money.
3. Give to foundations if you want, but make sure the donation goes where you intend it to go. Once a contribution is made to a third organization, the donor is out of the loop.
4. Choose a cause that interests you and find an organization or website that supports that. Chances are that the organization is collecting funds for Haitian relief. Nearly every social service issue – women, children, orphans, the elderly, amputees, education, food and medicine – needs assistance in Haiti.
5. Think long term. It will take decades to rebuild Haiti and address its humanitarian concerns, and those concerns will change over time. Amputees will need limb replacement; food and medicine are ongoing needs.
