Convoy of Hope Activates Teams in Haiti, Prepares to Distribute Relief Aid After 7.2 Earthquake Strikes

Disaster relief organization Convoy of Hope sprang into action within moments of a 7.2 magnitude earthquake striking Haiti on the morning of Aug. 14. Convoy of Hope has relief supplies staged and ready for distribution and confirms its team members in the area are safe.

“Because of our Children’s Feeding initiative in Haiti, we are equipped with resources on the ground and teams who have been able to respond immediately to offer hope and help to those in need,” said Hal Donaldson, president and co-founder of Convoy of Hope.

Ryan Grabill of Convoy of Hope’s Disaster Services team said, “Thankfully, we have a warehouse in Haiti with supplies, and plan to distribute food, water, hygiene kits and medical supplies as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Responses from Convoy’s program centers throughout Haiti are being activated.

“When the earthquake hit in Haiti this morning, our teams—both at our headquarters in the U.S. and on the ground in Haiti—began evaluating the situation, determining the needs and assessing how Convoy of Hope can assist in the days to come,” said Grabill.

The quake took place approximately 78 miles west of Port-au-Prince—Haiti’s capital and most densely populated city. Initial reports indicated the damage was widespread and many casualties were feared; other reports have indicated the city Port-au-Prince may have been spared the worst of it.

This disaster came hot on the heels of Tropical Depression Fred, which brought high winds and heavy rains in Haiti just a few days prior. Tropical Storm Grace is expected to impact Haiti in the days to follow—the third disaster to strike Haiti in less than a week.

“The people of Haiti have been through so much, and the country is still recovering from the earthquake of 2010. Our hearts and prayers go out to those affected by this earthquake, and Convoy of Hope will continue to bring hope to the people of Haiti in the days ahead,” said Donaldson.

To contribute to Convoy of Hope as we respond to this disaster, click here. {eoa}

Convoy of Hope is a faith-based organization with a driving passion to feed the world. With a long history as an early responder in times of natural disasters, Convoy of Hope has been a Four Star Charity as recognized by Charity Navigator since 2002. Convoy of Hope has served more than 160 million people since it was founded in 1994. For more information, please visit convoyofhope.org.

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