It is more than a month since the earthquake devastated most of the western department and part of the southeastern part of Haiti. Since then, people have tried their utmost to live, survive and explain to themselves the reasons for their dilemma.

Hospice, in its quest to continue accompanying our brothers and sisters of Haiti, has with the collaboration of other organizations:

· With the IMC (International Medical Corp), we were able to find medicines to assist people. Over 1500 have been seen – from wound care to child healthcare to issues related to women’s health, HSJ was able to alleviate some of the pain of the people of Christ-Roi and its environments. We went to the camps to provide services before others could come.

· received over 100 blankets from IMC which we give to community members especially mothers with children that came to the clinic. We had 20 stoves to give away from IMC 2 weeks ago and yesterday we had 50 more dedicated to women in the nutrition program. We received half pallets of nutritional cookies which were distributed partly by members of community-based organizations. The children that came to the clinic also received the cookies.

· received 305 tents from CRS and 6 from IMC. On average we gave away 240 to individuals and families and the rest to groups like Sr. Yannick’s community

Food – US marines doing a good job of giving out food – almost everyone has received rice – but people standing on long lines for hours and it is difficult for many.

Many infections are popping up due to lack of sanitation. Garbage is mounting everywhere and the rats are multiplying. The rain is particularly worrisome, Max said when it rains people just find a building that looks like it won’t fall and has an overhang and just stand there until it stop.

Dennis and I will be traveling to Haiti on Monday, March 1 until Friday, March 5th. We hope to give you a first hand account during or at least after our visit.

Peace, Sue