Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti and other partners in response to the devastating earthquake that struck on Saturday, August 14, 2021. The organization’s first grant is through the diocese and will support 400 vulnerable households in 21 isolated communities.
The overall need
A 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti’s southern peninsula and, as of Wednesday, August 18, it had caused nearly 2,000 deaths and injured more than 9,000 people, according to the United Nations. The UN also said the quake impacted more than 1.2 million people. The quake destroyed buildings and infrastructure, including nearly 61,000 homes, and damaged more than 76,000 more.
Thousands of families are in need of humanitarian assistance. The Haitian Civil Protection General Directorate says 137,000 families have been affected in the Sud, Grand’Anse and Nippes departments. About 500,000 people – 40 percent of the total population in the affected departments – are in need of emergency humanitarian assistance. Rescue efforts have been hampered by heavy rains and winds from Tropical Storm Grace and the full extent of the damage has yet to be determined.
Immediate response by Episcopal Relief & Development
The Diocese of Haiti, in collaboration with its congregations on the southern peninsula, quickly assessed the most urgent needs of vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, mothers with young children, the elderly, and people whose homes were damaged or destroyed. The diocese selected 400 families in hard-to-reach areas that have been affected by the earthquake and Tropical Storm Grace. With Episcopal Relief & Development’s support, these families will receive direct assistance so that they can meet basic needs such as food, medicine, and housing.
“For marginalized groups, the combined impact of COVID-19, the earthquake, and Tropical Storm Grace has the potential to be devastating,” said Ernest Cajuste, Senior Program Officer, Episcopal Relief & Development. “Episcopal Relief & Development is working with partners such as the Diocese of Haiti to support these individuals and families as they maintain their livelihoods, assets and dignity.”
Episcopal Relief & Development remains in close contact with the diocese and other partner organizations on the ground in Haiti as leaders assess needs in their communities. Please continue to pray for those who have been affected by the earthquake, tropical storm and COVID-19. Donations to the Haiti Fund will help the organization to continue to respond to this disaster.
[The above information is from a press release from Episcopal Relief & Development on August 18, 2021.]
Pray for Haiti
This prayer comes from the Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Michael Curry. It is translated into Haitian Creole.
Prayer for Haiti from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry—English
Eternal God, send forth your Sprit to encourage and strengthen the people of Haiti in these difficult times. We pray especially for those impacted by the recent earthquake. Encourage and strengthen those who help and support others. In your mercy, receive the souls of those who have died; comfort their families and loved ones. Surround with your presence the sick and suffering. Aid the work of those who still search and rescue. Empower the medical and aid workers and all who labor to heal.
Likewise, inspire and empower the resolve of the nations and peoples of the world to be your instruments of help and healing. Stir up the might of your love and compassion among the nations to rally resources and stay the course until the humanitarian job is accomplished.
Lastly, enfold and uphold the people of Haiti—from the youngest newly born to the oldest among us—in the arms of your love and the strength of your might. This we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Priyè pou Ayiti de Evèk prezidan Michael Curry—Kreyòl Asyiyen
Bondye Letènèl, voye Lespri ou pou ankouraje epi ranfòse pèp Dayiti nan moman difisil sa yo. Nou priye espesyalman pou sila yo moun tranbleman detè resan an te enpakte. Ankouraje epi ranfòse moun ki ede epi sipòte zòt yo. Nan mizerikòd ou, resevwa nanm moun ki mouri yo; konfòte fanmi yo ak moun pwòch yo. Antoure ak prezans ou moun ki malad epi k ap soufri. Ede travay moun sou teren an k ap fouye epi fè sovtaj. Bay travayè medikal ak asistans yo fòs, ansanm ak tout moun k ap eseye refè.
Epitou, enspire epi ranfòse detèminasyon nasyon ak pèp nan lemond pou yo ka tounen enstriman pou w bay èd ak delivrans. Deklanche pisans lanmou ak konpasyon ou pami nasyon yo pou rasanble resous epi rete sou menm chimen an jiskaske djòb asistans imanitè a fini.
Pou fini, anvlope epi pwoteje pèp ayisyen—depi pi piti tibebe a ki fenk fèt jiska granmoun ki gen plis laj pami nou—nan bra lanmou ou ak nan fòs pisans ou. Se sa nou priye onon Jezi Krist Senyè nou, amèn.
Episcopal Relief & Development
For over 80 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster, and disease. Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children, and Climate.
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