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Update #22 — An Update on Branch Status to Friends and Donors of Fonkoze

Over the weekend we received some updated information from the leadership of Fonkoze in Haiti and would like to summarize what we know today.

Status of Employees

1. We can now confirm that five Fonkoze employees lost their lives in the earthquake and its aftermath. Three were employees in the money transfer department, and one had taken part in an exchange program that Fonkoze has with Duquesne University. No one died in any of our buildings.
2. There was significant damage to Fonkoze employees’ housing, as 145 had their houses destroyed. The current plan is to provide each of them $1,000 from the donated funds that have been received, so that they can focus their energies on helping Fonkoze’s clients.
3. Another 121 employees have homes that need repairs. The plan is to provide them with $500 each from donated funds.
4. Many employees lost family members, close friends, etc. One employee lost 3 children and 4 close relatives.
5. Five key staff leaders took their children to U.S., and then returned to Haiti.
6. Fonkoze USA wishes to recognize the extraordinary volunteer contributions of  James Kurz, Fonkoze Financial Analyst, who based himself in DC after the earthquake, three Fonkoze staff members temporarily based in the U.S.: Kaveh Azimi, Saburah Wilson, and Natalie Domond; and Leah Nedderman, a former Fonkoze staff member based in DC.  

Status of Branch Infrastructure

1. A team of engineers are assessing all affected branches. Work is not yet complete.
2. Buildings that must be abandoned:
   1. Headquarters
   2. Pòtoprens branch
   3. Bizoton
   4. Leyogàn
   5. Jakmèl
   6. Twen
   7. Gwomòn

 

3. Buildings with damages that need repair or may need to be abandoned:
   1. Kabare
   2. Miragwan
   3. Ench
   4. Tomonn

 

4. All branches are operational except Leyogàn and Bizoton, which is scheduled to open today.

 

5. As reported last week, Fonkoze received a $25,000 grant to operate a mobile van of  the Alternative Insurance Company (AIC), so that we can provide services in Bizoton and Leyogàn.

Client Status

Branch personnel continue to work on getting information about the status of clients, but it is complicated by the degree to which people have moved to different locations. We expect an analysis of the impact on and needs of clients in the days ahead.

A Reminder:

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

U.S. donors may elect to take a tax deduction for aid to Haiti in either tax year 2009 or 2010 for contributions 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

P.S.  Please continue to visit this column for the latest news involving Fonkoze over the coming days and weeks.  This column will be updated as issues arise.