Salvation Army Haiti Earthquake Relief: Update 7
The Salvation Army continues to be a beacon of hope for individuals and families whose lives were devastated by the earthquake. Eight babies have been delivered at The Salvation Army medical clinic at its compound in the Delmas 2 area of Port-au-Prince since the earthquake. The fifth baby, yet to be named, arrived at 8 a.m., before the clinic opened, and so was delivered outdoors, in the courtyard. The baby girl and her mother Louester, a resident of the camp under the supervision of The Salvation Army, are doing well.
Emergency Priorities
The Salvation Army’s initial emergency response has confirmed the following priorities in order of immediate importance: water-safe drinking water; nutrition-food;medical assistance-supplies and treatment; shelter; trauma, grief and spiritual counselling.
While the Army’s Haiti Relief Team maintains support and provides assistance for 20,000 people in an area adjacent to their compound in Pourt-au-Prince, they have reached out to other areas of the country. Relief includes:
- Established compounds in five communities
- Distribution of food, blankets, ketchen sets, plastic sheeting and hygiene kits to 600 families at the Jacmel compound.
Short-term recovery
Once initial needs have been met, local water sources will be repaired and re-established, water filitration capacity will be provided, assistance to rebuild permanent, earthquake resistant housing will take place and strategic plans for long-term Salvation Army program and facility reconstruction will be formed.
Future
The Salvation Army will rebuild its damaged facilities, while continuing already well- established programs. The Army is committed to Haitians as they move forward through medical clinics, education, long-term relief and reconstrution, communitiy development projects, income generation, child nutrition and HIV/AIDS training and awareness.
