Cap Haitien is already an over-populated city, with thousands of people seeking refugee from Port-au-Prince.
Haiti (MNN) ― Patience grows thin as recovery continues to crawl in Haiti--now almost eight months since the earthquake. But the pace may not be due to lack of funds, but rather broken promises.
It seems nothing has changed in Haiti for months. Landlords continue to disassemble tent cities. And former Port-au-Prince residents continue to flee north as a result, often winding up near Cap Haitien. Temporary housing is gradually being erected, but most organizations still in the country agree things are proceeding at a snail's pace.
Eva DeHart of For Haiti with Love has similar sentiments. She says Haitians are beginning to grow impatient as countries who promised funds are failing to live up to their word: "They've heard all the stories about the money coming in, but they're not seeing anything happening. We need to pray that other countries will keep their commitments because they've promised to help and now they're holding onto the funds, and they're not releasing them so that Haiti can actually accomplish anything."
Of the organizations and countries which have not backed out on what they promised, DeHart said many of them have been swept up in only planning and holding meetings and are failing to put their talk into actions.
Disillusioned and homeless, some of these people make their way up to Cap Haitien in search of a better life. There, For Haiti With Love is hard at work, but DeHart said the situation is still devastating.
Even though the necessary paper work has been completed, customs in Port-au-Prince still refuses to release four food containers belonging to For Haiti, each containing 43,000 pounds of food. Now, two more containers are on their way, but DeHart said they have not received food in Cap Haitien since June 1. Because of this hold up, sadly, "You have to pace yourself. You can't hand it all out, or you give everybody a meal today, and then everybody starves," she said.
Additionally, because so many have fled to Cap Haitien, room is scarce, and many live on the streets because there is not enough shelter for them. In such poor conditions, diseases and injuries are constant threats, pushing For Haiti's clinic to the max. But the team is persevering. DeHart said, "Haiti is always a test in faith and patience."
Don't forget about Haiti. Continue to pray diligently for the country's recovery and for God to grant Haitians patience. Pray that Haitians will also find comfort and strength in Christ in the midst of such turmoil and uncertainty.
Donate to For Haiti to help with ongoing expenses in their medical clinic and to pay for transport the food containers when they are finally released.
