Congregations and individuals continue to respond in unique ways throughout Southeast Pa in response to the January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti.  Here are some of the things Lutherans are doing:

Synod, Congregations, LLS: 

Advocating for funds to be directed to LWR, and for people to make health kits.  Congregations are doing various forms of fundraising, including things such as the Haiti amputee benefit concert at Upper Dublin the weekend of February 28, and St. Matt's Perkasie's confirmation class hosting a month long bake sale to benefit Haiti through LWR.

LLS, Lutheran Children and Family Service

Rich Gitlen, Executive Director, LCFS, is participating in the Philadelphia Initiative for Haitian Children to address immigration issues and unmet needs of Haitians coming to Philadelphia.  Janet Panning from the Refugee Program is also involved in immigration related concerns.  Janet is pursuing a case management grant to assist Haitians coming to Philadelphia navigate the services that are available to them.

Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and LLS

The Rev. Dr. Storm Swain is organizing a Disaster Chaplaincy training from NYDIS (New York Disaster Interfaith Services) on March 15 and 16 that is being co-sponsored by the seminary and Liberty Lutheran Services.  A special request is being made for pastors who may be involved with Haiti to attend, and also to Haitian clergy.

LLS, Lutheran Disaster Response Coordinator

Local Haitian clergy with relief supplies collected for Haiti.

The LDR program at Liberty continue to be active in SEPA VOAD (Southeast Pa Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) discussions about how to support the refugee agencies and how to support others Haitian groups or individuals.  We continue to share information about needs to congregations and among partners as they arise.  We are holding community meetings as needed (one so far in Mt. Airy) and are continuing to build relationships in the Haitian community.  Also, conversations have been initiated with congregations interested in exploring the possibility of work trips to Haiti in the future.  Please see the above photo of the Haitian clergy of Philadelphia with supplies they've collected for Haiti.  For more information on activities of the Haitian clergy and their plans for response, please contact Julia Menzo at 215.424.3741 ext. 203.

LLS Refugee and Disaster Programs

Both the LLS Refugee and Disaster programs were integral in the planning for the housing and related needs of Haitian trauma patients and their companions as part of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS).  We were called off "alert" status Thursday February 11.  Thanks to the many volunteers who offered their homes and other assistance.

Florida-Bahamas Synod of the ELCA

A note from from Mary Delasin, Florida-Bahamas Synod to Daniel Rift, Director ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal:

"Lots of exciting things are happening with the Haitian relief effort! Louis Dorvilier, Director of ELCA Disaster Response, is in Haiti right now working with the pastors of Eglise Lutherienne d'Haiti (Lutheran Church of Haiti). It is a model for how accompaniment can work on a grand scale. They are setting priorities together and working together to carry out a plan that is sustainable in the long term. And working to meet the immediate needs of the people in spite of the overwhelming situation. All of the Haitian pastors and people I have spoken to are all very clear, they want sustainable change for the long term this time. They are tired of so many organizations who do not get past immediate aid, and do not work to change life through sustainable solutions. So often things are looked at through the eyes of what we would want vs. what Haitians need to rebuild a better life for generations.

So much of what we learned in (our Hunger work)  is applicable to Haiti.  In seeing close up what those World Hunger and Disaster Response funds support, there isn't a better way to truly make an imprint on this planet for generations to come. God is good. May He richly bless you all in your work!

Mary"