Bishops’ Appeal supports Christian Aid’s Haiti response

Monday October 17th 2016

The aftermath of Hurricane Matthew in Haiti. Photo: Christian Aid.

Bishops’ Appeal is partnering with Christian Aid to respond to Hurricane Matthew following the destruction which it wreaked in Haiti. Hurricane Matthew swept through the south-west of the country on Tuesday October 4 but the effects of the storm are only now becoming clear.

The Rt Rev Patrick Rooke, Chairman of Bishops’ Appeal, stated: “We are encouraging parishes to consider having a special collection to support the people of Haiti. They are unfortunately no strangers to disaster, with many still living in makeshift shelters following the 2010 earthquake.

“More than 1,000 people are known to have lost their lives and it is expected that this figure may increase as more areas become accessible. Sixty thousand people are living in temporary shelters, crops have been destroyed and livestock swept away, and there are growing fears of a cholera outbreak.”

Having worked in Haiti for over 20 years, Christian Aid has been on the ground since the hurricane’s landfall, assessing the damage and working out how to best help the people of Haiti to get back on their feet as soon as possible. Christian Aid’s initial response has involved providing the basics: Food, clothing and shelter. For example:

£17 / €19.29 could help to provide bedding required to accommodate people sleeping in emergency shelters;
£28 / €31.77 could provide the hygiene essentials that a family needs in an emergency;
£60 / €68.08 could supply the materials needed to rebuild someone’s home.

In the coming weeks and months, the response will involve helping people to rebuild sustainable livelihoods. Parish and individual donations can be sent to Bishops’ Appeal, Church of Ireland House, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6.