September 2009 Newsletter

Hurricane Relief and a New Relationship with The Debley Foundation

Written by Lindsey Walker

Last year, Haiti was hit by a series of devastating storms in a hurricane season that would go on record as one of the most expensive and fatal in recent decades. While the projects already completed by Roots of Development, and the community of Gran Sous, remained unharmed, families across La Gonave saw their homes, gardens, and livestock washed away. A young organization was about to face new challenges in the wake of natural disaster. Though new to the process of emergency relief, members of the community organization KODAG assessed the damage, and worked with Roots to form a plan for reconstruction. Both groups began examining how this new facet of need would fit into the organization’s primary goal of sustainable development. Questions arose such as how replacement of livestock might be equitably distributed in a way that would not disturb the local ecological or economic climate.

Today, walking through the hillside of La Gonave, one can see the signs of hurricane relief efforts that have been underway over the course of the past year. Three families previously left living in dilapidated, substandard structures, now go about their daily activities once again- making a life for themselves and their family members. Daily life has resumed and each one of those families whose homes were replaced trusts that if, or, more likely, when another storm hits, the structure they call home will stand firm and unthreatened.

Impressed with the success of these efforts The Debley Foundation of Atlanta, Georgia, has stepped in to partner with Roots of Development in completing the hurricane relief efforts. Three (of seven) homes were built using donations from our individual donor base, and the remaining four are now under construction thanks to a grant from The Debley Foundation. “A house that is being built by Roots of Development not only provides shelter [for a single family], but a sense of security [for an entire community],” offered Anna Pless, a board member of the foundation.