 Maj. Emmanuel Michaud and Capt. Serge Lainne, Haitian-born Salvation
Army officers serving in Chicago, Ill., and Miami, Fla.,
respectively, did an assessment to determine the post-earthquake
circumstances of this community, where a Salvation Army corps and
school are presently located.In describing what he saw in Petit
Goave, Michaud said: "Getting there will be ragged and rugged
because the roads are badly damaged, but with caution, care and
God's help we can transport volunteers, materials and hope to these
people."
"What happened to Haiti is a natural
disaster. What's happening to Haiti now is an act of God!!!"
-- Bob Poff
Lainne noted that the corps and school facilities appeared to
have minor damage but are fully usable.
The mayor, when visited by these two officers, expressed
appreciation for and pledged full cooperation with Salvation Army
efforts, in partnership with the United Nations. This city of
200,000 is estimated to have lost 1,500 and had another 3,000
injured in the quake.
Within a six-mile radius there are approximately 6,000 living in
temporary housing such as tents and "makeshift" shelters.
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Beginning Jan. 25, the two officers who did the initial assessment
were assigned as the advance coordination team for the Petit Goave
effort.
Maj. Cedric Hills, command officer for the entire Haiti effort in
The Salvation Army International Emergency Services program,
expressed great joy for this very important "next step" as the
response team expands its efforts to assist Maj. Lecien Lamartiuere,
Haiti divisional commander, as he leads his officers, soldiers,
staff and volunteers in the entire recovery effort.
[Text from file received from Rebecca
Van Nydeggen, Logan County Salvation Army director]
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