Haiti Earthquake Relief: Arrow Responds
Arrow Child & Family Ministries joins the rest of the world in prayer for the Haitian people as they come to grips with the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that hit on January 12th. The quake struck only 10 miles from the capital, Port-au-Prince. Even before this tragic event, Haiti, considered the most impoverished nation in the Western Hemisphere was still recovering from the four hurricanes that ripped through the country in 2008. Consider these facts that were documented before the quake:
- 80% of the Haitian people live below the poverty line
- One million people count on the UN World Food Program for ALL of their meals
- Only 40% of Haitians had access to basic health care
- 90% of children suffer from waterborne diseases or intestinal parasites
- A 65% literacy rate, with fewer than 30% of the children reaching sixth grade
- 225,000 children work as unpaid laborers in de facto slavery
- 380,000 children living in orphanages or group homes
Now, an estimated 200,000 dead. Two million homeless. Thousands with major fractures, major wounds, not being treated even more facing disease. Millions without food and water. Tens of thousands of children orphaned.
The devastation created serious obstacles to those attempting to deliver promised aid. The air control tower was destroyed making it difficult to fly in supplies. The port was severely damaged. The pier has fallen into the sea. Meanwhile the destruction of vital infrastructure, telecommunications, roads, electricity and the sea port continue to hamper relief efforts.
What can be done? The Haitian people have a long recovery ahead. Currently they are in a state of shock, dealing with the trauma and loss of family members. It will take years to recover and rebuild. Tens of thousands of children are now orphaned. Although there is some hope that relatives will be rescued and reunited, as days go by this hope will dwindle. The Department of Homeland Security is waiving visa requirements, on humanitarian grounds, for Haitian children already in the process of formalized adoption. The US is also agreeing to allow other children not yet matched with families enter the US, however the Haitian officials have not yet agreed to this. There is a great fear of exploitation, so great caution is being exercised when considering agreements that may allow for other children to enter the US for temporary refuge.
Many of you would like to help. Some of you would like to know how you can learn more about the possibility of taking in Haitian orphans. At this point, the US has not made provisions that would or could be made that would allow a large number of Haitian orphans to come to the US. Should this happen, it is likely the federal government would rely on state government social services and the foster care agencies that they oversee. Arrow has communicated with the State Department and other US officials close to the crisis that our ministry will respond to the needs of children and families where most needed and when called upon. This could manifest in any number of ways and when that is made clear we will be sure to communicate the opportunities for you to become involved in this relief effort. Through our committed staff, families, church partners and other child welfare affiliations we believe we can and will be asked to intervene, both now and during their long period of recovery.
If you would like to help with earthquake relief efforts now, you can make a donation to Arrow by clicking on the contribute button below. We will ensure your gift directly supports the Haitian ministries serving children of families who have been displaced.
We are not requesting donated supplies at this time. We also encourage you to be mindful of the many hurting children we have in United States. There are thousands of children waiting for adoption and the need for more foster care parents is overwhelming. As you pray for the children and families of Haiti, please also pray for US children who need healing in their lives and for more families to receive them. For information on how you can become involved in domestic foster care and adoption please contact us.
