Helping Haiti Rebuild with IRD

A woman visiting the IRD shelter distribution in Leogane

On my way to Haiti today with International Relief & Development (IRD). Just wanted to give you some quick background before I hit the ground.

IRD is a non-profit humanitarian and development organization dedicated to improving the lives and livelihoods of the world’s most vulnerable people. We work in nearly 40 countries and specialize in community stabilization in conflict and post-conflict environments. With the help of local groups and donors, IRD builds sustainable, community-based programs for health, agriculture, economic growth, infrastructure, and governance.

IRD is using its community development and infrastructure expertise, as well as its relief experience following Hurricane Katrina and the Ache tsunami, to help the people of Haiti as they begin to rebuild following the January 12 earthquake. I will be accompanying the IRD relief team to document and photograph their work, as well as working with media to encourage continued coverage of the needs and work in Haiti.

IRD has chosen the town and district of Leogane as the focus of its work. Leogane was one of the towns closest to the epicenter of the January 12 earthquake. It is estimated that Leogane experienced 90 percent destruction and 100 percent of the population was affected. IRD is focusing its initial attention on the shelter needs of the people of Leogane. During the week of February 7, IRD distributed shelter materials for 1,000 families in the community. IRD will also focus its long-term attention on larger sanitation system and water infrastructure repairs.

Since arriving in Haiti, IRD’s emergency relief team has also been able to distribute water, hygiene kits, and solar flashlights to help with local security patrols at night. The team is also working to coordinate the shipment and distribution of more than $9.5 million worth of donated commodities, including medical supplies, medicines, rehydration salts, water purifiers, shelter materials, school kits, hygiene kits, and solar-powered lights.

For more information on IRD’s work and photos from the field, visit www.ird.org. The field staff is also posting to the IRD blog at www.ird.org/voices. You can also following us on Twitter @ird_relief, or become a Facebook fan of “International Relief and Development”.

For my personal blog and photos, you can stay tuned to www.nolebelle.com, follow me on Twitter @nolebelle, or on Facebook.

Thanks so much for all your thoughts and prayers as I begin this adventure.

Help Haiti Rebuild. Text REBUILD to 85944 to donate $10 to IRD’s Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund. Donate online at www.ird.org or call 1-866-595-1100.