Helping Haiti Post-Matthew

I'm proud to say that four generations of my family have been helping Haiti in one form or another since 1955.

My first trip was over 30 years ago, and it tremendously impacted my worldview. I learned a few things:

• All of humanity is connected.
• Suffering can be alleviated.
• With great knowledge comes even greater responsibility.
• I can live a life committed to social justice.

Seven years ago we went to a village in the north of the country. At that time, the people were just not hungry, they were also thirsty. I had never seen the look of thirst in a person's eyes before. Hunger, yes. But thirst, no. It left a major impact on me.

After that, we were able to work with various individuals and organizations--including the mayor--to build a cistern for water and bring more sustainable farming to the community.

You can see photos here.

The bad news is this:

Hurricane Matthew put these farms under water, and 1000s of people are without food.

The good news is this:

My father had a trip already scheduled to go down this week. Donations have flooded in unsolicited. They will be able to feed 4000 children, women, and men meals of beans and rice for a week. They will also be able to survey the farms, meet with the mayor, and determine the best way forward.

In this tumultuous election season, I'm finding it's good to get my focus off contentious debate and reach out and help.

Please spread the word that there is help for Haiti, post-Matthew. If you'd like to make a tax-deductible donation, contact me at [email protected]. I can ensure that the funds get to the community in need.