Hurricane Matthew touched down in Haiti on 4 October 2016, causing damage unimaginable to most, but which was unfortunately all too familiar to many Haitians. The Grand’Anse in the south, Haiti’s bread basket, saw 90% of homes and 95% of schools wiped out, crops decimated, and destruction of fragile infrastructure.

Relief work following the 2010 Haiti earthquake has been roundly criticized, as only 0.6% of the billions of funds raised reached Haitian organizations. Similar to 2010, there are countless stories now emerging of ordinary Haitians helping each other. It is correct to recognize this impulse, and to support Haitians as they again rebuild. Now isn’t the time to marginalize Haitian leaders and communities, but to put them firmly in charge of their own destinies.

Funds raised will be split evenly between two local foundations - the Haiti Community Foundation & Lambi Fund - who are already working with communities in relief planning processes, prioritizing local needs.