MIAMI – World Vision, an international Christian relief and development agency, and “Operation Hope for Haiti” are launching a flood-reduction project in Haiti’s Central Plateau. The three-year, $1.5 million project will repair and rehabilitate four vulnerable areas along the River Guayamouc in Hinche, plant 175,000 trees, and implement a cash-for-work program to employ 4,000 Haitians.
The project is part of World Vision’s ongoing work throughout rural Haiti.
September marks one year since Haiti was struck by a series of four hurricanes that left the impoverished island nation devastated from the storms. In the aftermath of those hurricanes, the South Florida community united to provide emergency relief and assistance through World Vision and the “Operation Hope for Haiti” campaign. Since the campaign began, more than $260,000 has been raised by individuals, business leaders, organizations, and churches in the South Florida area toward this project.
“It is incredible to see how South Floridians have united together over the past year to help our neighbors in Haiti,” said Lisa Torres, World Vision’s area director in South Florida.
“Through this flood-reduction project, our hope is to continue building on this momentum over the next three years and encourage the rest of the world to remember Haiti as well.”
This three-year flood reduction project is a part of the campaign’s strategic efforts to target one rural community in Haiti’s Central Plateau, one of the hardest-hit regions from last year’s storms. Last year, when the River Guayamouc flooded, more than 750 families lost their homes. The focus of the project will be to stem the threat of future flooding in this area.
There are several ways for South Floridians to get involved with “Operation Hope for Haiti:”
· Partner with Team World Vision and run the ING Miami Half or Full Marathon (January 31, 2010). All funds raised will support the Hinche River Project.
Visit www.teamworldvision.org/miami for more information.
· Make a financial contribution through a one-time gift or a monthly gift of $35 to sponsor a child in Haiti through World Vision.
Visit www.worldvision.org/operationhopeforhaiti for more information.
