OMAR BAH, a Roger Williams University alumnus, will travel to Haiti with a delegation from New Bridges for Haitian Success Inc. in November to deliver cash and donated items to those impacted by Hurricane Matthew.
Why should people be somewhat skeptical of international aid projects?
International aid projects have become somewhat of a cliché in recent years. I know the infamous story of the Red Cross, which built just five houses with over half a billion dollars, garnered a lot of attention. However, there are a lot more large aid agencies doing crappy work and taking the vulnerable people of Haiti for a ride. That is why the New Bridges for Haitian Success thought about approaching this from a grassroots model where local people whose families are touched and who have personal knowledge and connection of the situation lead such an aid effort.
How can ordinary Americans best help the people directly impacted by Hurricane Matthew?
The best that ordinary Americans can do is to insist that their funds and items go to the rightful beneficiaries. That can best happen if there is accountability. Therefore, we are urging people to redirect their support to local grassroots organizations that are small in scope but have direct personal connection to the affected people back in Haiti.
How will you measure which areas of Haiti most need assistance? How do you plan to document the aid you will provide?
The founder of the organization, Bernard Georges, personally knows villages and people who are directly affected. Also, specific areas such as Belle Anse are currently experiencing extreme hardship. At least 800 people have died while over 1 million people are believed to need urgent help, including food, water, medicine, clothes, etc. So helping even one village get out of this stalemate will make a huge difference. We hope to travel to Haiti with a container of donated items in order to directly distribute such items and offer additional community service there. Every step of the way will be documented and we will organize a community thank-you event when we return to show the public and donors about the impact of their generosity. •
