It has been 6 weeks since a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake rippled through Haiti resulting in one of the largest humanitarian crisis in years.  While much progress has been made to rescue and rebuild what is left from the disastrous quake and its unforgiving aftershocks; there is still much work and healing to be done.

Days after the event occurred, I posted a list of reputable organizations who needed donations to rebuild in Demonstrating Compassionate Action to Haiti’s Earthquake Victims and expressed concern for the artisans from Caribbean Craft,  a Haitian group of artists who create some of our favorite home decor pieces using recycled oil drums.

I am relieved to share this update from Gifts with Humanity, the retail arm of our importer.  We have been told that they have indeed heard from all their Haitian artisans from Caribbean Craft! They are all accounted for, one with a foot injury.  Unfortunately they have no idea when they can resume production because of the conditions and lack of facilities to import the oil drums to recycle into their art…which is the situation thousands of survivors are now finding themselves in; the lack of resources means they cannot find employment at this time.

Green America’s Green Business Network recently shared their updates on the Haitian recover efforts with their members:

….I want to share with you a couple ways that our members and colleagues are pulling together to help the survivors of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Our hearts are heavy as we see the suffering and feel so inadequate. There’s both immediate disaster recovery to do as well longer term rebuilding work.

First, our allies like Mercy Corps and Haiti Partners are working on addressing key issues such as clean water and shelter. Network for Good has put together a list of organizations on the ground doing direct work today.

Second, we’d like to point you to the resources in our online community investing center for ways you can invest to help Haiti rebuild over time. By searching for “Haiti,” a number of investment organizations will be there—Fonkoze and Accion International on providing microfinance to Calvert and Mennonite Economic Development Associates on providing loan programs.

I am posting links from this article in our side column Rebuild Haiti. For those of us who are blessed with good health and income, my hope is that will continue to send our support their way to take on this massive undertaking.  Helping to rebuild Haiti into a stronger nation and eradicating the poor and desperate conditions will have a positive long term impact on our global culture as a whole.

Since learning about the 7.0 Magnitude Earthquake that ruptured Haiti one week ago, my heart has grown heavier each day as I see the images on the news and listen to the horrific tales of desperation.

It feels inhumane and detached to watch these heartbreaking pictures of thousands of men, women and children who are misplaced; critically injured or searching for their missing loved ones.

This disaster hits close to the Organic Bug family as well.  Our importer has informed Peggy that there has been no word on the producers that make up Caribbean Craft; a wonderful fair trade company based out of Haiti that creates some of our favorite pieces.  Please keep these artists and their loved ones  in your thoughts.

For most of us;  there is not much we can do- except hope and pray that more survivors will be found and that Haiti will rebuild quickly; and find ways to contribute financially.    At this time, the organizations who have moved into the position to help need financial support; and no donation is too little.

I am sharing an email that was forwarded to me a couple of days ago from Marilyn Lowney from the Haitian Health Foundation about the conditions of the clinic and staff in Haiti: