Brian Young Foundation Seeking Donations for Hurricane Matthew Relief in Haiti
Almost one month ago, Hurricane Matthew barreled across the Caribbean, leaving destruction and turmoil in its path. On October 4th, the storm made landfall in southwestern Haiti, causing damage of catastrophic proportions. The people of the island have been detrimentally impacted by this terrible event. While the extent of the damage is still being assessed, it is estimated that 1.4 million Haitians are in immediate need of assistance.
In the short weeks that have passed since Hurricane Matthew touched down in Haiti, many various humanitarian organizations have mobilized to provide relief efforts and donate supplies. However, the people of Haiti are still in great need. According to Haiti’s civil protection department, 175,500 people have been displaced and are currently living in temporary shelters. Access to safe housing, healthcare, food and medical supplies are critical to their recovery. Haiti is currently experiencing the worst humanitarian crisis they have faced since the earthquake of 2010.
Following the aftermath of that earthquake, I had the opportunity to volunteer on the island by assisting with clean up efforts. While working to rebuild, I was able to witness firsthand the perseverance and strength of the Haitian community. When tragedy struck again, I knew I had to return to the island to help. This recent trip has confirmed the call in my heart to organize, mobilize, and gather support for the Haitian people. In an effort to heed this call, I have created the Brian Young Foundation. Through this foundation we are currently collecting donations, which we will distribute directly to the most heavily impacted areas.
The supplies and donations that are most needed are as follows:
Non-Perishable Food-
The storm destroyed much more than the island’s infrastructure. Aerial footage suggests at least 80 percent of crop fields in Haiti have been affected. Outside of large cities, these farms are crucial to the community’s food supply. Farmers have lost important harvests, causing a dramatic shortage of food on the island. Non-perishable items are needed to combat these losses. Children are particularly susceptible to starvation and malnutrition.
Infants and toddlers are more vulnerable to traumatic events and it is imperative for them to receive adequate care at this time. Children’s items like diapers, wipes, formula, and feeding supplies are in high demand.
Household sanitary items are in short supply. Thousands of families are without items used to fulfill basic needs like bathing. Hygenic products such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine products, shampoo, wash cloths, and more are needed.
Following the earthquake in 2010, Haiti faced an unexpected cholera epidemic. These fatal diseases quickly spread in vulnerable communities when access to water is restricted by damaged infrastructure. Water purification kits and water treatment tablets can help to easily avoid another outbreak of illness that could potentially hinder Haiti’s recovery efforts.
Among the havoc of Hurricane Matthew, it is estimated that more than 300 schools have been damaged on the island of Haiti. This means that approximately 150,000 children currently do not have access to a safe learning environment. Humanitarian agencies are mobilizing to set up temporary learning spaces and provide counseling for these children. Writing utensils, office supplies, notebooks, and other educational materials are needed to fulfill their needs.
If you are fortunate enough to be able to help in any way, we appreciate your contributions. Please remember to keep the beautiful island of Haiti and its people in your prayers, as we band together to provide hope and relief in their time of suffering. For more information about the Brian Young Foundation and our efforts, visit our website at http://brianyoungfoundation.com/.
Originally published at http://brianyoungfoundation.org.
