Since 1987, Hand to Hand for Haiti, Inc. has been working tirelessly to impact the country of Haiti for the glory of God. We are continuing our various endeavors, which include leadership seminars for pastors and a sponsorship program for schoolchildren, but in the upcoming months Hand to Hand will be working on some particular projects that are in dire need of your support. We understand these days are financially turbulent for many people, particularly since we too have suffered from the recent economic downturn. However, with over 500,000 Haitian citizens still living in tents and many displaced from Port-au-Prince to the surrounding areas, our brothers and sisters in Haiti need our help.
The exterior and interior of the clinic at Carrefour-des-Peres
Hand to Hand has set up a clinic in Carrefour-des-Pères which is fully equipped with a waiting area, six exam rooms, a restroom and a separate storage facility for pharmaceutical needs and other medical supplies. On the 18th of February, a group of 12 medical personnel will travel from the United States to the Carrefour-des-Pères clinic. They will staff the clinic for 10 days, attending to the community’s medical needs and training Haitian medical technicians. In March, a physician from Waterbury, CT will spend some time at the Carrefour-des-Pères clinic and a few months later in June, Dr. Natacha Telusca will head a medical trip to Carrefours-des-Pères on behalf of Hand to Hand. She and her team will hold preventative health training and mobile clinics within the community.
Hand to Hand is also continuing to construct latrines throughout Haiti. Currently we have over one hundred latrine holes already dug, but require more funds to buy the materials necessary to build the latrine structures, which will cost $200 US per structure.
Lastly, Hand to Hand will continue its partnership with Project Teach, an association that works to train Haitian instructors and is the most successful part of our organization. International teachers from countries such as Denmark, France, Canada, and the United States, go to Haiti for two weeks and train Haitian educators whose students range from preschool to high school. Project Teach has built two institutions, one in Jeremie and the other in Gonaïves, to train teachers. Since its inception in 1998, Project Teach has trained over 10,000 teachers in Haiti, and this July, 18-20 Project Teach instructors will take a two-week trip to Nippes, in the south of Haiti.
Hand to Hand asks for your prayers and financial support, as we are taking on the primary burden of providing lodging, transportation, and food for the twelve medical technicians. By February 4th, 2012 we need at least $3,000 US to fund their upcoming trip. Hand to Hand will also provide food and lodging for the Project Teach instructors and needs to raise $3,600 by June to ensure a successful trip. By the end of July we will need an additional $3,400 to fund the additional medical trips and latrine construction. In total, Hand to Hand needs to raise $10,000 for the various projects and trips this summer.
A popular Haitian proverb states, “Men anpil, chay pa lou,” meaning “Where there are many hands, the load is not heavy.” We ask you to put your hands together with ours as we seek to empower the country of Haiti. There are several ways you can donate to our organization. One option is to mail a check made out to Hand to Hand for Haiti, Inc. to the following address:
Hand to Hand for Haiti, Inc.
64 Dixon St.
Waterbury, CT 06704
If you prefer, a representative of our organization can pick up a check or cash payment from you. Please call (203) 756-9101 to schedule an appointment.
If there is any way you can help us financially, we would greatly appreciate your contribution. Without the necessary funds, Hand to Hand will not be able to do the work it has set out to do in Haiti. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will most surely bless you as you support His work. His Word says in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (NIV)
You have stood by Hand to Hand for the past 25 years, and we thank you for your faithfulness. Please continue to pray for our ministry and no matter what happens, we are certain that God will provide what we need so that His name can be glorified in Haiti.
In His Service,
Joseph M. Michel
President
Hand to Hand for Haiti
