The Haiti Democracy Project is collecting funds for a neighborhood relief effort overseen by our associate Arielle Jean-Baptiste. We are also raising money for our long-term support of governance in Haiti.

To contribute to the victims, please click on the button and in the “Payment For:” box write, “Flood drive.” To support our general program, leave the box blank. All contributions are tax-deductible. Contributions may also be mailed to Haiti Democracy Project, 2303 17th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009.

Message from Arielle Jean-Baptiste, associate of the Haiti Democracy Project, September 22, 2004:

I have been in Haiti for the last month. Some of you were aware of my presence here, others not. I am writing all of you today because I know all of you have Haiti in your hearts.

I am sure you all have read about the Gonaïves area being flooded by the tropical storm Jeanne. It is worse than that. Ninety-five percent of the city of Gonaïves is destroyed. People are living in horrible conditions in mud and water. The water as of today had not receded. I just spoke to two people who came back and they are all crying because it is so hard. Gonaïves is living through a humanitarian catastrophe with 700 dead and 1050 unaccounted for. The hospital in Gonaïves is completely destroyed and all the sick who were there died during the storm. It is buried in mud. They need everything, from food, to water, to medicine. People are living on top of their houses. Cadavers of people and animals are floating all over the city and most of the houses have been destroyed. This is horrible.

My father is from Gonaïves and my uncle still lives there. I am planning a trip on Sunday to go and bring them food, water and clothes. Please keep them in your prayers and do whatever you can to help them out. The people of Gonaïves need our help and our support. They will need to rebuild their lives completely.

What I am doing here myself is collecting dollars and items directly. I am organizing a way here for the victims to get the stuff directly, clothes, flood damage clean up, $$, food etc…

Thank you for listening and God Bless.
Arielle