Child Hope's Role in Earthquake Relief
The earthquake that occurred in Haiti on January 12, 2010 dramatically impacted all organizations and individuals serving in Haiti.  Child Hope International was no exception.  Since the quake, many of the day-to-day activities of organizations shifted to adjust to the national disaster.  Besides running the orphanage, school, clinic and community feeding program we are actively participating in the rebuilding effort.  Below are some common questions people have asked about our role in earthquake relief efforts.

What are you doing right now?  Our primary responsibility is caring for the lives of the children at Maison de Lumiere.  In addition, we are trying to meet the needs of employees and  our community by providing food, home repairs, shelter, etc.  All missionaries and staff members here have their assignments and priorities. We have expanded our school to include classes for all the children of Maison de Lumiere.  Our feeding program continues to feeds more than 100 children three times a week.  In addition, we are now operating an expanded medical clinic to address the health and medical needs of the community.  As far as the rebuilding efforts, we are helping families move out of tent cities into very nice pre-fab wood frame homes that can accomodate families of eight.

Where are earthquake relief funds going?  Please note that 100% of donated earthquake relief funds will go to relief efforts.  Relief efforts include providing medical care, food, water and shelter to the community, especially those hardest hit.  We especially are seeking to find children who have been orphaned by the disaster.  Please note that because the need is so great here we are trying to make the funds last so that we can help more people.  Teams and individuals coming to help must pay their own way and cover living costs while here.  We are seeking donated food, clean water and supplies so that we can use the funds for the most critical needs.

Can I give supplies?  If so, where can I send them?  Currently, needs are very specific.  We have a list of specific needs that is being updated daily.  If you or your church are interest in donating supplies or serving in Haiti, we can share the list, however, currently, we are not shipping in supplies and prefer items be hand-carried in by visiting teams. Please contact Alicia Simmons our Relief Coordinator.  Please contact our Relief Coordinator before gathering supplies.  You can contact her by going to the contact us form at the top of this page and sending us a message.  

When can I go to help?  Because our accomodations are limited, not everyone who wants to come can come.  We appreciate the hearts of those who want to serve but have to work with each individual and missions team and schedule based on our priority needs and space availability.  The first step in joining a team or going long term, is to complete the form at our web site at http://www.childhope.org/about/going_to_haiti_earthquake_relief.html.  We can then assess where and when you might be needed, and will contact you about the next steps when they come available. 

“I feel the Lord is leading me to go... why do i have to wait?"   We believe the Lord does and has called people to Haiti.  That is why we are here.  The Lord may, however, be calling you to other ministries in Haiti that could use your gifts as well.  If you feel called and we do not have the need for your gifts at this time, perhaps we can refer you to other organizations in the region that may be a better fit for your gifting.

Do I have to be a Christian to come?  Not necessarily.  Please note that we are a Christian organization and are raising our children as such.  Therefore, with that said, we do require that those who teach, oversee or are leading our children to be born again believers.  We also require that all visitors honor our Code of Conduct pertaining to modesty in dress, behavior, use of language, community living, curfews, etc.

Why can’t I just show up and help?  We only have limited accommodations/resources for visitors, and we have many people coming in the next few weeks.  Because of this, we are only hosting those who are preapproved/invited.  If someone shows up at our facility in Haiti who is not preapproved they will be referred to other lodging alternatives and will likely not work with Child Hope.

How do I get the money there?  Our web site is the best way to make fast donations electronically.  Donated funds will be wired to us in Haiti.  You may also call in a credit card donation to 888-808-9595 or mail checks to Child Hope International, P.O. Box 3677, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.