Background information on Haiti
Brothers And Sisters International, Inc. (BASI) is a nonprofit organization that has worked in Haiti since 1995. During this time we have worked very closely with a number of grassroots organizations throughout Haiti. Since the earthquake, we have been in touch with them. By working with them we will:
- Help employ thousand of Haitians who have lost their jobs because of the earthquake.
- Have people who know their communities and can see that those who need the help the most will receive it first.
- Put money back into the Haitian economy.
- And bring hope back in the live of the Haitian people.
We are organizing a three-phase approach in addressing the needs of Haiti since the earthquake. First, we have developed a list of items and monies greatly needed in helping the Haitian grassroots organizations to address the needs of the victims of the earthquake. Second, we are organizing work brigades from the US to work with the Haitian workers to help build schools, clinics, housing and hospitals throughout the countryside as Haiti rebuilds itself. Third, we are going to expand our educational teach-ins on
These grassroots movements who too often go unnoticed by the outside world. They are the heart of Haiti and as we seek to help Haiti at this difficult time let us remember that these groups know Haiti best and we can best help Haiti by working with and through Haiti grassroots organizations.
Since the earthquake hundreds of thousands of Haitians have left Port au Prince to get away from the unstable concrete buildings to the countryside for safety. BASI is directing our efforts to support Haiti by focusing on the countryside where many of the Haitian from Port au Prince are moving. By working with the grassroots organizations we are sure that the supplies and monies we raises will do the most good for the Haitian that most need the help. We have been working with the Haitian people for over fifteen years and are able to hit the ground running.
Background information on Haiti
The first video looks at one of the main causes that lead to many of Haiti’s cities to become overcrowded and the people struggle to fight back.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2407538368251439007&hl=en#
The next two videos look at the history of one of Haiti’s oldest and largest grassroots movements as they struggle to rebuild Haiti.
http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=4799 andhttp://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=4804.
Requests for press contact with me should be directed to Matthew A. Raymond, Director of Communications, Library of Congress:mray@loc.gov; phone: 202 707-0020.