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Update #20 -- A Timely Message to Friends and Donors of Fonkoze Regarding the Earthquake
Thurs., Jan. 28, 2010 – 6:25 PM (EST)
Fonkoze continues to make progress as we prioritize the many challenges facing us. A brief update follows (current status in bold):
- Help staff members return to work so that they can stabilize their own lives and continue to serve our borrowers – All employees are accounted for.
- Open an emergency operations center to re-establish banking for the poor and transfer remittances to clients and numerous non-profit agencies serving Haiti -- Temporary headquarters is operating, and negotiations are underway to secure a permanent site.
- Acquire equipment and facilities to replace what was destroyed -- A first draft of needs has been developed.
- Provide financial resources to ensure that new loans are available for women who have lost their businesses and need to re-establish them – Major fundraising efforts are being conducted at the international level.
- Assist clients who lost their homes with house building and repair financing – Options are being considered to develop and finance a plan.
Below, we would like to share excerpts from a report received earlier today from a Fonkoze USA staff member, Linda Boucard, Director of Communications, who is based in Haiti.
“Fonkoze has more organization, it seems to me, than the entire country right now. The operational branches as you know, are functioning well, and headquarters is getting back on its feet. It will take time. I will be going to some branches in the coming days to do some interviews with affected clients. Probably in Leogane (90% destroyed), and Bizoton. Will have the reports this weekend, hopefully…
I have been out in the streets of Port-au-Prince every day since the quake. Everyday, I am more astounded at the resiliency of the Haitian people. Their faith in God, I believe, helps them to overcome the impossible. Anyway, I have seen more than I would ever want to talk about.
I am trying to allocate food for our employees and clients who were hit the most. It's not easy. Well basically, nothing is easy at all, especially now...and that’s for everyone.”
Donations and pledges continue to come. I would remind you that donors from the UK may receive the benefits of charitable giving by contributing through BRAC UK’S website: http://www.bracuk.net/default.aspx?id=5
Also, donors in the U.S. may elect to take a tax deduction for aid to Haiti in either tax year 2009 or 2010 for contributions that are made after Jan. 11, 2010 and before March 1, 2010.
Please consider the urgent needs of your brothers and sisters in Haiti and donate online at this link using Visa, MasterCard or American Express. ...Or make checks payable to FONKOZE USA and mail to:
FONKOZE USA
50 F Street, NW
Suite 810
Washington, DC 20001
Fonkoze continues to need your help through prayers and contributions!
Cordially,
John Mercier
President
Fonkoze USA