FFCC had a very successful third trip to Haiti! 

 

The conditions in Haiti haven't changed much since the earth quake in January of 2010.  There are thousands upon thousands of people living in tent cities with no end in sight to rebuild .  Despite the millions of dollars donated to the relief effort, monies are not being released until Haiti presents a redevelopment plan for those cities destroyed by the quake. In the meantime, there are thousands of people desperate for food, fresh drinking water, and medical assistance.  Common, every-day activities like washing clothes, cooking, going to the bathroom, and having lights at night require great patience and endurance by the people. 

 

It is an honor for FFCC to go and serve the people of Haiti and to let them know that they have not been forgotten.  Fifteen FFCC volunteers traveled to Haiti for 10 days and accomplished the following:

1) Plans for a mobile medical clinic were established through working with the Mayor in the city of Gressier.  Doctors Joel and Eunice Mata will be taking a team of doctors and nurses to provide medical care in the village of Kabwa in January of 2011.  In this city there is one doctor for every 17,000 people. 
2) FFCC's second and third food containers--600,000 total meals--have arrived in Haiti and will begin food distribution in the city of Carrefour this week.   Haitian volunteers will assist in the distribution process.  FFCC has laid out a very comprehensive plan with accountability to ensure those in greatest need will receive the food and other supplies sent from San Diego.
3) FFCC made significant progress on the construction of the children's orphanage in Gressier.  The foundation has been laid and the block walls are going up.  Construction on the septic system began, as well.  There will be 100 boys and 100 girls living at the dorm once it is completed.
4) FFCC met with Food for the Poor and began a discussion on partnering to build a school on the land where the orphanage is located.  This school will provide education for 400 children in the area that have no access to education.
5) FFCC met with the Minister of Agriculture to discuss a food sustainability and food security program.  FFCC brought an agronomist from Iowa State University to assist in the discussion on the kinds of crops and vegetables that can be grown in Haiti to provide a protein-enriched food source that will reverse the effects of starvation.  The Minister invited us back to share the plan with his cabinet.  He loves the idea and the plan.
6) FFCC met with World Concern. They are very interested in partnering with FFCC on its food sustainability program.  World Concern has a program that imports small tractors and farming equipment into Haiti.  This will be vital to stimulate the farming industry and to support the local farmer to plant and harvest his crops while providing an income for his family.
7) FFCC built over 40 shelters in a heavily populated area for families who had no covering.  Samaritan's Purse was the provider of materials, FFCC provided the labor.

 

These are some of the projects in which FFCC is engaged.  If you would like to become more involved in our work in Haiti, please email Phil at philffcc@san.rr.com .  Thank you to all who are providing financial support.  This rebuilding effort could not happen without you.  More resources of time, talent and treasure are still needed.  Join us!

 

-Phil