Progress so far...

Hearts and Hands for Haiti (H&H4H) seems to be growing quite fast and I can't tell you how exciting this is. We have over $2000 raised and counting. People are donating on line, people are dropping off and mailing checks to Joy and me. (Hearts and Hands for Haiti http://apps.facebook.com/causes/433147/13530475?m=71bb3202).

It's mind boggling. So many people want to help and I'm so thankful.

So what's next? As the fundraising efforts continue, we are working on what we can do short term and what we can do long term. Reliable communication is key here. We need to know which stories/needs are real and which are not. Our donors are trusting us to safeguard their investments in Haiti. As such, we need to make sure that when we jump into a project and help out, that the information is real and reliable.

As such continuing to strengthen our communication networks by making sure that our contacts have the communications systems they need including computer equipment, phones with necessary satellite links, will be critical and will be part of our short term strategy.

So, even as we continue to use our existing networks to move people and supplies, we are working on a parallel effort to gather gather and distribute communication equipment. While it's helpful to have the TV cameras and reporters to show us the rescue efforts, soon these reporters will turn to other stories around the world. Also, we need to remember that the stories streaming in from reporters in Haiti are largely from people who may not understand the culture and the language. Gaps in understanding could lead to needs not being met and we need to be there to fill in these gaps.

Yesterday we learned through our networks that a schoolmate from Haiti is working to get filtration equipment to Port-au-Prince from Cap Haitian. So, we are working to find him a truck...

With a Warm Heart and Warm Hands for Haiti,

Cherie