More than 230,000 people are reported dead and more than 1 million reported homeless from the devastation caused by the Haiti earthquake, which struck Haiti’s most populated area. Close to the nation’s capital of Port-au-Prince, the amount of damage was particularly high. Haiti’s Prime Minister has estimated that more that 250,000 residences and 30,000 commercial buildings are severely damaged and need to be destroyed. Government buildings, hospitals, the airport and other transport facilities, and communication systems were all seriously affected.
Rescue efforts began immediately but efforts were hampered by the lack of hospital facilities, medical supplies and transportation problems. A number of nonprofit organizations around the world are dedicated to helping Haiti rebuild. 40% of all sales proceeds from the sale of Help Haiti t-shirts will be donated to nonprofits working to rebuild Haiti.
From Phoenix…a song/poem for Haiti by Andy Mathisen
“Lift high your hammers, saws and hearts
And start again anew
With many hands from many lands
We’ve come to stand with you
With bandaged wounds among the ruins
We’ll start a daunting task
To heal your scars and reach the stars
It’s all that God would ask.”