HAITI – A group of Vero Beach volunteers helping with the relief effort in Haiti following the devastating earthquake nearly two weeks ago is seeking its own aid to transport medical teams to areas where no help has arrived.
“We have needs here,” said Haiti Partners co-founder John Engle on a recent video blog update.
As of the update, taped on Day 8 after the earthquake – Jan. 20 – the volunteers were $3,000 shy of the $15,000 they needed to purchase a Nissan Patrol 4wd.
The vehicle would be used to transport much needed supplies and medical teams into areas of the country that have not yet received medical aid.
Engle recounted hearing from a community leader Haiti Partners had trained who said he needed medical supplies to help those who live in villages up in the mountains – a 2 1/2-hour walk from Port-au-Prince.
Engle’s group was able to scrounge up a box of supplies and gave it to the community leader, who then made the trek up into the mountains.
Along with seeking funds to buy the Nissan Patrol, Haiti Partners is also seeking funds to pay for the equipment it needed for the Internet.
Engle had received access to the Internet through a friend in Haiti, who, as of Friday, would not be able to provide the connection. Facing the possibility of not having the access, Engle contracted with a local businessman who was able to install a satellite at the home the Engles are staying at – an expense of about $2,000.
Other funds donated to Haiti Partners will continue to go toward providing relief and support to the Haitians.
Engle continues to marvel at the resilience shown by the people of Haiti in his Web videos.
“I’m not seeing violence,” he said. “I’m not seeing looting. I see Haitians helping Haitians.”
World news outlets have reported violence and looting in Port-au-Prince as survivors struggle to find necessities such as food and water.
Engle said in a follow-up video from Day 9, that he is beginning to see signs of normalcy return.
“Life is starting to resume,” he said, explaining that hotels and businesses that were not severely damaged in the earthquake are reopening, even though the employees are living on the street.
They are finding ways to bathe, find fresh clothing and get to work, Engle said.
He also noted that the vast majority of those living in Port-au-Prince are homeless, living in makeshift tents.
“We need tents,” Engle said.
How to help:
Online – www.HaitiPartners.org/donate