ELCA and Haiti: Generosity and Need

CHICAGO (ELCA) --The ELCA continues to be engaged in Haiti, concentrating its efforts on a multiyear rebuild-
ing effort one year after a devastating earthquake. Efforts include meeting human needs by providing food, wa-
ter, temporary shelter and medical supplies while focusing on longer-term efforts such as responding to housing
needs, and providing educational and income-generating opportunities.
Members of the ELCA gave more than $12.6 million for relief and recovery in Haiti after the earthquake and
about $4.2 million has been spent for work in Haiti and for Haitians who were sent to the United States for medi-
cal care.
On January 12, 2010, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit the island in the south-central part of the country near
Port-au-Prince. The quake resulted in the deaths of nearly 250,000 people, injured 300,000 people and resulted
in more than 1.5 million displaced people, most of whom are still living in camps.
The ELCA provided relief through the Lutheran Church in Haiti; The Lutheran World Federation-Haiti; the
ACT Alliance, Geneva; Church World Service, New York; and Lutheran World Relief, Baltimore. Funds provided
health kits, mosquito nets, blankets, tents, tarps, quilts, clean water systems and sanitation equipment. Truck con-
voys brought in medical supplies during the fi rst few weeks after the disaster.
The challenges ahead are monumental. “Giving for work in Haiti has been generous, and every penny given
will be used for the response,” said the Rev. Daniel Rift, director of the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. Information
about the ELCA’s response to the disaster is at www.ELCA.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Responding-to-the-World/

~from IK Synod February newsletter

Please continue to keep the people of Haiti and those working for and beside them in your prayers.