Haiti: 6 months later

The Salvation Army will complete the construction of 600 housing shelters through the Transitional Shelter Program in Jacmel, Haiti this week, to assist in relocating earthquake-displaced Haitians back to their home communities. Over the past six months The Salvation Army has transitioned from providing for immediate needs, including temporary shelter, food, water and medical attention to providing long-term recovery services to help return survivors to a level of normalcy in their lives. The long-term rebuilding process has employed more than 400 Haitians as carpenters and construction crew-members to assist in reconstruction efforts.

 “The level of care and steps taken to rebuild Haiti has been astonishing, with this transitional housing project highlighting the significant strides everyone has made over the past six months,” said Lt. Colonel Dan Starrett Executive Director of The Salvation Army World Service Office. “Housing shelters have been built in some of the most heavily impacted areas in Haiti, including Jacmel, Bainet, Lilette and Bellami. The Salvation Army has had a major presence in Haiti since the 1950s and we’ll continue to provide earthquake relief services for as long as the need is there.”

Haitian officials and residents worked closely with The Salvation Army to plan and manage the transitional housing shelters project which allowed for a quick design and building process. Through both volunteerism and temporary employment by The Salvation Army, residents of Haiti have been directly involved in the reconstruction of their communities. The Salvation Army provided technical specialists as needed for the project and Haitian teams were trained by The Salvation Army’s transitional housing team. Others were hired to clear land for the construction of the homes. In all, more than 400 Haitians, comprising at least 45 construction teams, were trained to supervise and build 600 homes.

“For the safety and well-being of the thousands of Haitians who have been displaced, it was critical that we constructed these homes as quickly and strongly as possible with the hurricane season here,” said Lt. Colonel Starrett. “The ultimate goal of our emergency service in Haiti is to provide the resources for the community to return to self sufficiency at a level that exceeds conditions before the earthquake. These homes are the first steps of many in that direction.”

Following the construction of the 600 shelters in Jacmel, which began on June 5, The Salvation Army will work with government officials in Haiti to plan the second phase of development for an additional 500 homes in Jacmel and another 1,000-1,500 homes in Petit-Goâve, which felt a strong 5.9 magnitude aftershock on January 20. The quake’s epicenter was almost directly under Petit-Goâve, severely damaging the city. Each home will take one day to complete, with each costing approximately $1,800. Like in Jacmel, the homes will be built on existing home sites. Individuals and families who have lost their homes due to the earthquake must own the property on which their new home will be built in order to obtain a shelter. Families are helped first, followed by single women with children and other vulnerable populations.Locally, The Indiana Salvation Army sent down some of the first response teams following the January earthquake.  The support of Hoosiers for The Salvation Army’s relief efforts was overwhelming.  “We are proud of Central Indiana’s response to the crisis in Haiti.  Hoosiers donated nearly $400,000 to Haitian disaster relief and today’s news shows that their investment has produced tangible results. The effort continues both in Haiti and in Indianapolis to rebuild communities and restore lives. We want to express our thanks to all Hoosiers who have contributed and continue to support our mission,” said Jeff Stanger, Development Director for the Indiana Salvation Army. The Salvation Army set up a Haiti relief fund and is accepting monetary donations. Donors may contribute $10 via their phone bill by text messaging the word “HAITI” to 52000, and confirming the donation with the word, “Yes.”  Donors can also give via www.salvationarmyusa.org, 1-800-SAL-ARMY and through the mail at: The Salvation Army World Service Office, International Disaster Relief Fund, P.O. Box 630728, Baltimore, MD 21263-0728 with designation “Haiti Earthquake.” To date, more than $20.5 million has been donated to The Salvation Army to assist in the development of the housing units, provide 5.4 million meals, as well as other immediate and long-term recovery services in Haiti. Through the shelter campaign, The Salvation Army will continue will provide over 4400 shelters in the next 6-12 months in Jacmel, Petit-Goâve and Port -au-Prince.Prior to the earthquake, The Salvation Army in Haiti operated schools, clinics, a hospital, feeding programs, children’s homes and church-related activities through some 60 Corps community centers across the country.  One Salvation Army facility in Port-au-Prince includes a home for more than 50 children; a school with a daily attendance of 1,500 children; a medical clinic caring for 150-200 people daily; and a church that on any typical Sunday welcomes nearly 1,000 people.Since January 12, The Salvation Army, along with the United Nations, local governments, and nongovernmental organizations has cared for the 20,000 individuals who have been displaced from their homes, living at a soccer field adjacent to a Salvation Army facility in Port-au-Prince. To establish a safe environment, a Camp Security force has been formed made up of 45 Haitian members from the camp itself. The team has been trained in security techniques by The Salvation Army and the United Nations. Medical care and nutritional services are also being provided to meet the needs of all individuals at the camp; including water purification units that supply 20,000 – 30,000 gallons of purified water or 4.2 million gallons of water daily.

Want to learn to serve disaster victims?

In times of disaster, Salvation Army teams are among the first to arrive to the scene to serve victims and first responders. During the flooding in June 2008, over 10,000 meals were served by trained volunteers – people just like you who wanted to do something practical for those displaced from their homes.

On Saturday, June 26, our Emergency Disaster Services team will be offering training for those interested in serving food and beverages from the canteens (mobile feeding stations) during natural disasters. Volunteers will learn food handling procedures and techniques during this 8am – 4:30 training at the Disaster Services Training Center at 4020 Georgetown Road. There is a $20 fee that covers the cost of class materials, two breaks and lunch.

To reserve your space, contact Bert Williams at 224-1013. If you are interested in learning more about volunteering with The Salvation Army, please call Elizabeth Wilhelm at 224-1010.

Brazos Fuertos Alrededor de Chile: Strong Arms Around Chile

According to Salvation Army World Services Office (SAWSO), $55,758 has been donated to the relief efforts in Chile, via online, telephone, and text. The Salvation Army in Chile continues to adapt to the changing conditions while expanding its emergency relief response in both Central and Southern Chile. A curfew has been established from 6:00 PM until 12:00 PM the next day in the Concepcion and Talcahuano area in Southern Chile and cities closest to the epicenter. Salvation Army personnel have to have special authorization to travel during the tightly controlled curfew period. This authorization and assigning security personnel to Army staff members will allow safe travel during curfew and much needed distribution of supplies to those in need.

As the magnitude of devastation continues to escalate, Salvation Army officers, soldiers and volunteers continue to work feverishly to provide support and comfort to those affected. In Santiago, several young Salvationist professionals are reaching out and creating databases to facilitate more efficient registration of clients by social workers. Additionally, they continue to strive to make contact with the Christian media in the Santiago metropolitan region.

On Thursday, March 4, the Christian media held a fundraising campaign in 12 locations throughout the city to collect donations. These funds will be used to keep the media on the air. On Saturday, March 6, trucks were used to deliver the goods donated to Concepcion and surrounding areas, with the help of some TSA EDS vehicles.

The Salvation Army Corps in Concepcion is recognized for their League of Mercy ministry. The League of Mercy of the Hualpencillo Corps has stepped up to meet the needs and challenges caused by the earthquake and tsunami and are fully engaged in emergency response activities. Major Juan Carlos Alarcon, Divisional Commander of the Chile Southern Division, has arrived in Hualpencillo from Temuco. Major Alarcon had been given moving orders recently and was to have transferred this week, however, his leaving has been postponed.

As the Chilean Salvation Army works on the transition of officers and appointments, the Chilean government is also in transition. On March 12, the new governor of the country will be inaugurated. While many believed that the central region of Chile was not affected, many buildings in Santiago are now being condemned because of damage from the earthquake. The strong aftershocks which have reached up to 6.3 on the Richter scale have impacted the infrastructure of many buildings to the point where at least two to three 18 – 25 story apartment complexes in Santiago have had to turn their residents away and evacuate a five block radius so the buildings can be imploded in the near future. Many families have been displaced, and all socioeconomic levels are being affected by this disaster.

Salvation Army facilities have been severely damaged in both Central and Southern Chile. In the Central Division alone, the assessments were completed on Wednesday and damages are estimated at over $500,000. In South Chile, it is too early to have estimates in dollar figures although it is known some structures are now uninhabitable. A Boys home, serving 35 children operates in the coastal town of Llolleo. The administration, dining and kitchen areas are heavily damaged. This is a structure that has withstood over 60 years of natural disasters. Aftershocks continue to inflict damage on the complex. In El Faro, The Salvation Army has had to completely halt all services for fear of infrastructure collapse. This complex provided housing to college students whose hometowns are far from this community so they reside at The Salvation Army.

Lt. Colonel F. Bradford Bailey, Chief Secretary of The Salvation Army South America West explains that this has been a very deceiving earthquake. It initially did not show signs of catastrophic proportions, but seems to be breaking down the infrastructure from the inside out. Lt. Colonel Bailey also notes “this earthquake has not only caused physical damage but is has caused damage to the psyche and social conditions of Chile. It has brought out the best and the worst of Chileans. Many are very disappointed in their countrymen (i.e. looting, vandals), while others have stepped up to help and provide strength that is immeasurable.” He went on to say that “this is where The Salvation Army has an opportunity to step up to offer a ministry of presence, and many church members are finding a chance to share their relationship with God. This combined catastrophe will continue to not only affect the pocketbooks of the Government and its citizens, but also the soul of the Chileans.”

Santiago Metropolitan region:

• The Salvation Army is now providing an average of 3,000 meals per day and these numbers continue to grow as three meals a day are served.
• Water, first aid supplies, blankets, candles and other emergency supplies are to be distributed as needed.

Southern Chile:

• Many towns are no longer in place, totally destroyed by the tsunami. Some of these towns include Tome, Dichato, Constitucion, Talca, and others.
• Much of the south is without water, electricity and other utilities making cooking and heating almost impossible.

Concepcion:

• Corps Officers, soldiers, and volunteers continue to provide emergency services to displaced residents.

Hualpen:

• The Hualpencillo Corps continues to serve as a headquarters for food distribution.
• As of March 3, they now have three emergency disaster crews carrying provisions to outlying areas.
• Additional teams are being deployed from Santiago.
• The Corps Sgt. Major in this city lost her home to the tsunami, but is camped out in a tent at the courtyard of the property to help take care of people who are less fortunate and in greater need than she is at this time.

Talca:

• The Salvation Army has asked the Chilean Emergency Disaster Ministries to open up a fourth front to provide emergency services. TSA has offered to handle emergency distribution to this community.

The Salvation Army set up a Chile relief fund and is accepting monetary donations. Donors may contribute $10 by text messaging the word “CHILE” to 52000, and confirming the donation with the word, “Yes.” Donors can also give via www.salvationarmyusa.org, 1-800-SAL-ARMY and through the mail at: The Salvation Army World Service Office, International Disaster Relief Fund, and PO Box 630728, Baltimore, MD 21263-0728 with designation “Chile Earthquake.”