Haiti is a country that throughout history has been dealt unfortunate hands to say the least. Colonization, natural disaster, disease, social/racial inequality to name a few. Until you can see it for yourself it is hard to put to words how the people overcome adversity, create, and sustain beauty in the face of what I am convinced would crush most.
The lucky ones have houses that are still intact from the earthquake. The less than lucky ones have salvaged materials (scrap metal/tarps/wood/etc.) to house their families which can be sometimes up to 8 people living in a 10′X10′ plot. The worst of course either have no homes or are not alive.
Walking down the street at any given moment, you are the one that stands out but you wouldn’t know it from the way the people treat you. A thumbs up, smile, and tap of the chest let’s you know that though you are from a different land, incredibly privileged, and of different skin colour that you are still a person that deserves respect. Above all the Haitian people respect life.
The amazing thing about volunteering with All Hands is that when they are asked by most where the money goes they generally answer ‘If you’d like to see, come down and check it out for yourself’. Those who see how the funds are distributed could hardly argue against donating.
All Hands is passing the project onto the local volunteers who have been working/training with them since early 2010 but is still in need of funding. I encourage people to contact them if you have any questions, volunteer if you’re interested, but above all donate. Or maybe just catch a plane down there and see for yourself. I’m lucky that I can count this as part of my life, you should do the same.
-Matt
