Americans Encouraged to Join Relief Groups for 'Long Run'
February 9, 2010
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February 8, 2010
While the New Orleans Saints' Super Bowl win Sunday may have wiped away memories of the Gulf Coast hurricanes that hit their city five years ago, the mourning in Haiti - for many - still has no end in sight.
Nearly four weeks after Haiti's 7.0-magnitude quake devastated the capital city of Port-au-Prince and the surrounding areas, life remains difficult for thousands in Haiti who are without food, shelter, and - most desired - the loved ones they've lost.
"Haiti is a nation in mourning," commented Sian Platt, child protection specialist for the Christian humanitarian agency World Vision. "People have not just lost homes, jobs and everything they own, they are somehow trying to come to terms with the death of those who loved and supported them."
According to World Vision, more than 90 percent of the 150 people the agency has spoken with to date said they had lost loved ones - including friends, extended family or close family. They also said they needed to make time for grieving and establish normal routines in order to recover.
"Studies have found that children and adults heal faster if they are able to find routine and access the basics of life," explained Platt.
"A safe, dry home, regular meals, clean water, meaningful activity and work, are all needed in order to strengthen a resilient city now in mourning," she added.
And as rebuilding the country will take years and not months, U.S.-based groups such as World Vision are encouraging Americans to continue donating and not give in to donor fatigue.
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