NBC affiliate reporter visits Pwoje Espwa

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*200 Day Update*

Day 200

Two hundred days have passed since the third-world country of Haiti suffered its first major earthquake in 200 years. While much of the news coverage of the quake has died down around the world, here in Haiti, it looks as if the disaster happened only a week ago. Initially, many promises were made by organizations around the world. But six months after the deadly disaster, Haitians are afraid they have been forgotten.

As the casualties approach the 300,000 mark, some officials believe the death toll may surpass even that of even the 2004 Asian Tsunami. Unfortunately, tens of thousands of dead were buried in haste for fear of the disease that might result otherwise. The official death count does not include many of those buried privately by funeral homes, community or family members. Unfortunately, we may never know the real number of lives perished. There are thousands still missing.

The January 12th disaster, centered near the Haitian capital of Port au Prince, leveled schools and businesses, leaving thousands homeless and without basic infrastructure. This 8.8 magnitude earthquake was followed by a number of frightening and damaging aftershocks. The ripple effect of these aftershocks affect more than the movement of the earth -- They affect the movement of food and medical supplies throughout the country. Thousands continue to suffer and die from hunger, and lack of basic medical care. This large scale devastation has resulted in a perpetual economic crisis, for an already struggling nation.

In Haiti, everything and everybody transits through Port au Prince. About 30% of the population lived there and was directly affected by the earthquake. That means 70% of the population was NOT immediately affected by the earthquake. But without basic infrastructure, urgently needed food and medical care cannot reach the outlying areas. Humanitarian aid is stockpiled in Port au Prince, but the remaining population is not getting the relief it needs to survive.

On May 14, CBS reported that of the $14.9 billion in total relief money raised, a relatively small percentage had been spent. A July 19 CNN report reveals that "Most Countries Fail to Deliver on Haiti Aid Pledges." Sovereign donors promised $5.3 billion to a special fund for Haiti; Less than 2% of the money that's been promised has been delivered. The people here are feeling abandoned and are losing hope.

There is something that you can do right now,

to make an immediate impact on people here who suffer every day.

Project Hope South is near the city of Les Cayes where the population is normally about 55,000. After the earthquake, more than 100,000 quake victims poured into the area, many moving in with relatives. Often these relatives were too poor to take others in.

Suddenly, Project Hope found itself immersed in the relief effort, providing refugees with food and services, in cooperation with the UN and other charities. Adequate relief has still not come from Port au Prince. Some relief has arrived on private airplanes or boats. But most of that relief was in the person of physicians or other professionals and earmarked for a particular use. Therefore, supplies are still scarce. Food and fuel prices have risen dramatically. And we are depending on our friends to help us through this massive crisis.

The number of children living at Hope Village grew from 650 residents to nearly 800 in six weeks. Some of our newcomers were orphaned by the quake. Some had been living in orphanages that were destroyed. Others were brought to us by injured parents who couldn't care for their children. There are countless children waiting for shelter and care, but we cannot accept them as we have no more room, beds and linens. The number of girls residing here has doubled, and we must build an appropriate shelter for them. There are thousands of children who need our help - and yours!

You can help minimize the crippling aftershocks. Your contribution can provide a home to a traumatized child. Your contribution can provide food for displaced children and families. You can provide medical care and education to the neediest children.

Please be generous and make your gift TODAY!
These kids need you!

Give a Hungry Person a Fish, Or Teach Him to Fish?
Which would you rather do? 

At Hope Village hundreds of children are receiving the care and education they need to fight the viscous cycle of poverty.

In this village of hope:

• Over 750 children are receiving shelter and care.
• Over 2,500 children are provided with academic and vocational educations.
• 3,500 meals are prepared and served daily.

And these numbers continue to grow. But here's what makes this mission different from most others. The children are the solution. They are pitching in to help built their own dormitories and schools. They are learning trades such as masonry, carpentry, farming, and agriculture. They are becoming self-sufficient so that as adults, they will be able to care for themselves. And one day, they will be able to care for their own children. Something their own parents were unable to do for them.


We need your help to break the cycle of poverty. Please make a tax deductible donation today and help the Haitians help themselves.