Karma payment plan

  Picture taken in a tent city filled with needs- no fresh water no sanitation and while there was a health clinic in the area the health clinic did not see children
People ask me all the time “how is rebuilding in Haiti going?” I cant help but snicker. Rebuilding? Are you serious? They still have to clean up first. While the efforts of many have been in the process, still very little has been truly accomplished (not to down play the amazing work so many people and organizations have done) and it is a long way till rebuilding takes place.  If you ride on the main roads and stop at the upscale places, yes it appears things are better. But for the 100,000s of people still living in unthinkable conditions, it is a nightmare with no end.  People also often ask me what does Haiti need. My answer collaboration and long term planning. While there is a continual need for volunteers to come help, long term development is essential. Long term planning that is culturally competent, thoroughly thought threw (with out putting up to much red tape which can slow down needed services), and collaborated. everyone holds a little piece of the solution but it is nothing if you don’t put them together. there is also no need to reinvent the wheel.  while supplies are needed, it needs to be the right supplies and the right quantity.  Its more work to organize threw the crap one has then you could believe. Hospitals have a lot of supplies here but not the right supplies.  I have a needs list from about six hospitals, the lists are all very similar. Most important we need people not to forget that the need is so great. Often I speak with people who have just come down here and their response “I had no idea, the media shows little” well im here and im all over and ill tell you there is a huge need!! There is a lot of need for long term commitments here.

 

Ive seen a lot of people doing assessments, it is easy for even myself to point out needs and flaws. But what is need is for people to act.

Personally it is still a very hard decision to go home, for myself I know it is needed at least for a while.  Please continue to act. I feel like im calling the kettle black, saying  what is needed and then turning away instead of continuing. Hypocritical, I know. i can not hold others accountable only myself.