HavServe, a non-profit organization operating in the Nippes Department of Haiti since 2010, has had an active response to the latest deadly earthquake to wreak havoc in the southern region of Haiti.
The HavServe field team reacted immediately from their base office in southern Haiti, within hours of the earthquake, to assess the area and assemble a local volunteer team to support the population in the Nippes. HavServe has well-established partners, including but not limited to the Mayor’s office, churches, schools, orphanages, and non-profit organizations that work together to advocate on behalf of the affected communities.
“Our team is doing an incredible job assessing and mobilizing and motivating local volunteers to meet the needs of the population in congruence with the local government, community mayors, churches, and organizations in the Nippes Department of Haiti” said Carline Brice-Mesilus, Founder of HavServe. “The immediate needs are extremely important to help meet the urgency of the communities in which we serve, while planning the next phase of sustainable rebuilding. Without addressing the basic needs of food, shelter, and medical care, as well as the long-term support required to bolster these communities, the population will never recover from this tragedy.”
Official Reports have stated that Haiti’s earthquake event on August 14 was centered 13 kilometers (just over eight miles) of Petit Trou de Nippes. Over 2,200 people have died, over 12,000 people are injured, and 53,000 homes have been destroyed, leaving untold families without shelter; with those numbers likely to rise significantly as assessment continues. The aftershocks that follow an earthquake, have forced many people to sleep outside in open fields, in fear that another quake could bring their damaged homes down on top of them. Local hospitals have also been damaged. Patients are being treated in temporary tents until more permanent structures can be established.
On top of the political unrest, which resulted in the president’s assassination last July, the Haitian population is also facing COVID-19 pandemic and the turmoil of Tropical Storm Grace which occurred immediately after the earthquake. The storm brought heavy rain, flooding, and increased landslides making relief efforts even more difficult.
HavServe Volunteer Service Network is an international and national voice for volunteerism in Haiti. Since January 2010, HavServe have been committed to increasing and supporting volunteerism and civic participation. Administering aid through its established community center and collaborating with local churches and leaders has been instrumental in creating stable infrastructure in Nippes. When disaster hits, it is the local organizations who work with the community to best serve and respond most effectively. If you would like to partner with us and/or donate to our relief efforts, you may do so via the corresponding link.
