Celebrating Milestones in Haiti Response

Students from across the country joined with us in an effort to bring support, both through finances and prayer, to the people of Haiti. The response from students has been incredible – thousands of dollars have been raised, and we continue to hear stories of prayer gatherings that have taken place around the U.S. The need is still great and World Vision will continue to be on the ground in Haiti for years to come. Thank you to all of you who have organized events, fundraisers, and prayer gatherings to support our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Below is an update about World Vision’s response to Haiti - your efforts help make this possible!

Celebrating Milestones in Haiti Response: By Nathalie Moberg

World Vision’s Miami Logistics Support Center has shipped 21 sea containers to Haiti to date, providing critical recovery support to families suffering following the January earthquake that devastated the capital city of Port-au-Prince.

With the help of temporary staff and volunteers, the logistics center reached the goal of assembling 73,000 personal hygiene kits for Haiti survivors, as well as assembling 37 kits for Child-Friendly Spaces caring for Haitian children.

The Miami Logistics Support Center is a donated 92,000-square-foot office and warehouse facility serving as a World Vision hub for organizing and shipping recovery products to Haiti.

The center is operating with the support of World Vision’s Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs/Global Supply Chain Management, Global Prepositioned Resource Network, and U.S. Programs.

The support center’s recent “Day of Solidarity for Haiti” drew nearly 100 people representing local churches, Miami firefighters, and area schools. Many local businesses also participated, including Doubletree Grand, Flagler Development, Waste Management, and YRC Logistics. Those attending participated in assembling personal hygiene kits and Child-Friendly Spaces kits. Child-Friendly Spaces provide children with a secure, nurturing environment while their parents work on home rebuilding and other disaster-related issues.

The kits have been delivered to 37 Child-Friendly Spaces, which World Vision operates in the disaster zone. These kits include toys, games, and craft supplies for children to enjoy. The hygiene kits also are being distributed as needed in Port-au-Prince.

Phyllis Freeman, Domestic Disaster director for U.S. Programs, is among those serving at the Miami Logistics Support Center. Phyllis says the Child-Friendly Spaces “offer children the opportunity to step away from the devastation and enter into a world where they can recover from the impact and trauma of the earthquake. It’s a totally child-centered place where they can learn and play.”