wfn.org | CRWRC Responds to Urgent Needs from Haiti Earthquake

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

> IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Ken Little, International Relief Senior Project Manager,
1-800-730-3490

CRWRC Responds to Urgent Needs from Haiti Earthquake

JANUARY 13, 2010?As survivors clear rubble, search for loved ones, and
mourn their losses since yesterday?s massive earthquake in Haiti, the
Christian Reformed World Relief Committee is providing support and
preparing plans for long-term aid.

?The earthquake that hit the capital city, where both CRWRC and
Christian Reformed World Missions personnel are stationed, was
severe,? CRWRC Director, Ida Kaastra Mutoigo reported this morning.
?But we have confirmed that all Christian Reformed staff are safe.?

CRWRC staff in on the ground in Haiti are now gearing up to aid to
their neighbors in need. CRWRC has been working in Haiti for more than
30 years. By partnering with local churches and community
organizations, CRWRC empowers Haitian community leaders to no longer
see themselves as victims of poverty, but with gifts and resources to
serve others.

In this new time of crisis, these local partners are now leading their
communities in responding to the most urgent needs. CRWRC U.S.
Director Andrew Ryskamp says that, ?the scale of the response in Haiti
could easily top $1 million.?

?During a disaster like this, it is hard to see past the immediate
devastation,? said Ken Little, CRWRC?s Disaster Response Senior
Project Manager, ?but one of CRWRC?s strengths is in our local leaders
and community connections that can respond immediately and help to
quickly distribute aid to those who most need it.?

CRWRC?s immediate, emergency aid will include emergency supplies like
water, shelter and food. ?We want to get survivors out of the sun, out
of the damage, and hydrated,? said CRWRC?s Disaster Program Manager,
Jacqueline Koster. CRWRC is collaborating with other relief and
development organizations to ensure that the aid efforts are
coordinated and no needs fall through the gaps.

On Friday (1/15), Little and two CRWRC International Relief Managers
will be travelling to Haiti to assess needs and prepare plans for
additional aid. He expects that CRWRC?s response will include
temporary shelter as well as long-term home repair and reconstruction.

Financial contributions to this effort are urgently needed.  Gifts
marked ?Haiti Earthquake 2010? can be given online at www.crwrc.org,
called in to 1-800-55-CRWRC (U.S.) or mailed to CRWRC at 2850
Kalamazoo Avenue, S.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49560-0600.

> --30--

> -- Beth DeGraff
> CRWRC Media and Justice Contact
> 2850 Kalamazoo Avenue SE
> Grand Rapids, MI 49560-0600
> 1-800-55-CRWRC
> www.crwrc.org

Note that my email address has changed to bdegraff@crwrc.org.

CRWRC is a registered non-profit agency of the CRC-NA in both the U.S.
and Canada.