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Our partner churches El Camino and Soto are preparing to provide temporary shelter and basic assistance to Haitian earthquake refugees who will be making their way to join family currently residing in the DR many of whom are members of the Soto church. The initial budget of US$4,400 is for essentials such as bedding, kitchen utensils, a small freezer, security fencing and a small electrical inverter system. Water will be provided by the El Camino Church water purification system that we assisted in setting up a few years ago. The Soto Church dormitory can accommodate up to 60 refugees at one time. They will be allowed to stay there for a period of 30 to 60 days, then be asked to move in with their family. The budget during their time in the dormitory is estimated at US$150.00 per person. If financial resources allow, upon leaving they will be given a small one-time stipend to help the family care for them and to pay for their temporary visa in the DR. Partners In Deed has wired $5,000 as an initial grant for this purpose. We have a mission team travelling to the DR leaving February 10 who will further assess the situation. We will update you upon our return.
Please pray for our partner churches and the families that attend there. Haitian relief will require our long-term prayer and resource commitments. Donations to assist in this relief effort can be made to Partners In Deed, you can also donate online at Canada Helps. (Choose Haitian Earthquake Refugee Relief as the designation.)
Below are some photos.
Click the thumbnails for a larger image and description.
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