Hurricane Matthew Exposes Climate Devastation in Haiti

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  10/4/2016
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Chung-Wha Hong, Executive Director, (617) 524-1400 (Grassroots International)

RECOVERY EFFORTS MUST BE LED BY HAITIAN ORGANIZATIONS

Grassroots International, a Boston-based foundation with longstanding partnerships in Haiti, is launching an emergency fund to support leading Haitian organizations in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.

The first Category 3 hurricane to strike the nation in 50 years, Hurricane Matthew lashed out with 130 mph winds and massive rainfall. After three years of drought, the parched ground in Haiti cannot absorb the deluge of rain, nor can the deforested mountains hold back mudslides, leaving the country vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

“One of the best ways to provide effective relief and rebuilding in Haiti is by supporting on-the-ground relief efforts led by those most impacted,” says Chung-Wha Hong, Executive Director of Grassroots International.

“Haiti is experiencing direct impacts from climate change. We are there for the long haul to advance those locally generated solutions, and help build a more resilient and sustainable Haiti,” she adds.

All donations for Hurricane Matthew received by Grassroots International will support Haitian-led, community-based operations.

Since 1992, Grassroots International has partnered with organizations in Haiti led by small farmers and producers, women and human rights leaders.  Today those organizations – and all of Haiti – are assessing the damage from Hurricane Matthew and preparing to find a way to rebuild… again … as thousands of families have lost their entire crops, their animals and their homes.

It is essential that international aid be quick, significant and designed to support Haitian-led organizations and recovery efforts. The connections from Grassroots International’s 25-year history as a funder and partner in Haiti will make sure that aid goes to where it is critically needed to support local recovery responses.

Donations can be made to the Haitian-led Hurricane Recovery Support Fund.