The Starfish Project

The Starfish Haiti Project is all about helping the people of Haiti, and we all know that the need is overwhelming which is why we chose the "starfish" analogy. We know that we can't help all of the people in need or even a large amount due to the magnitude of this natural disaster. The goal of Starfish Haiti is to streamline our focus on specific projects where we can make a visible difference. Our mission will be to focus our resources in one geographical area to make the most use of equipment, personnel and transportation of goods. We have determined that the community of Leogáne and the surrounding area which was the epicenter of this disaster will be the focus of our immediate effort.

For more than 10 years I have worked with an organization by the name of World Hope International based out of Washington, DC and can attest to their integrity and commitment to the people of Haiti prior to the earthquake and even more so now. WHI has identified 10 geographical areas (communities) to help recover from this overwhelming disaster. In these communities WHI will support 5 orphanages, 14 clinics/medical centers and 140 schools, Leogáne is one of those communities. WHI also focuses on orphaned children and at-risk children that are “not” in physical orphanages. These children are possibly at greater risk being outside of a supervised environment.

Leogane Health Clinic Restoration. Our first project for Starfish Haiti!

Even before the Earthquake, the health care delivery system in Haiti was weak. On January 12th, most of the infrastructure that did exist in the quake-impact areas was destroyed. One of the great needs in Haiti is to restore the preexisting infrastructure and develop a larger network of community-based clinics that can provide basic health care services – examinations, vaccinations, basic treatment, and applied health/nutrition education.

Centro Materno-Infantile (Mother & Child Center), despite its location near the epicenter of the earthquake, sustained limited damage. Modest repairs, re-finishing and re-furnishing will restore this community health center to full function. It is anticipated that this work can be accomplished within a four month period. Historically, the Haitian Ministry of Health has provided staffing to the clinic and this support is expected to continue. While supplementary medical/financial support could expand the program of the clinic, its operations can be fully sustained once this restoration work is completed. As a result, this project is unusually straightforward and offers a high return on the investment.

Project Scope. This mother and infant health clinic has been serving the Leogane area for many years. Following the quake it, like most concrete buildings, was abandoned by its staff. While a more thorough structural engineering analysis is yet to be completed, it appears that the structure is sound and has sustained only minor and superficial damage. The scope of work includes:

• the removal and reconstruction of an architectural feature on the roof
• minor roof repair
• reinforcement of a rear wall
• cleaning and repainting of exterior
• replacement/installation of some surface-mounted electrical wiring
• and, repainting of the interior.

It is also anticipated that basic furnishings (desks, chairs, exam tables and cabinets) will be replaced by donated hospital equipment already received and, ready to be shipped, by World Hope International.

Other Projects That Starfish Haiti Will Be Involved In.

The Orphanage in Leogáne:

The orphanage has 131 children and their facility was completely destroyed during the earthquake. Since the earthquake last month we have been able to provide the orphanage with a new generator to run their well for fresh water, temporary shelters are currently being built by the Canadian Military as we speak. The ultimate goal will be to rebuild this orphanage to support 300-400 children since we understand that in less than 5 minutes on January 12, 2010 the number of orphans in the country of Haiti doubled. See on Google Maps.

AIDS Clinic @ Leogáne:

Within the community of Leogáne there was a 4000 sq.ft. clinic that supported the many AIDS patients of the community. At the time of the earthquake the clinic was staffed by a doctor, two nurses and two nuns, today only the doctor and one of the nuns survived and are supporting the many AIDS patients for this community. As a result the patients have been relocated to nearby homes that were still standing and the Doctor must make his rounds to the houses to treat the patients. As part of our commitment to the community of Leogáne the rebuilding and support of this clinic will be one of our main priorities.

Soccer City of Leogáne:

Communities of more than 160,000 people of which an estimated 25% are presumed dead, those that survived are now living in makeshift camps in the street, parks and in the city’s Soccer Stadium now called “Soccer City”. More than 3,000 of the 9,000 people living in this makeshift city are children. WHI has partnered with two other NGO’s to provide food, water and medical support to these people, but more must be done. Starfish Haiti will work to help address this crushing present need to provide a more secure temporary shelter, food, water and medical assistance.

Lycée Anacona of Leogáne:

One of the local high schools in the community was actually in session and several students and faculty were trapped in the building. The school supported more than 1,600 students and ran two separate sessions each day to support the need. The facility is completely collapsed and will also be a focus of our efforts as we try to lend support and assistance in the rebuilding of this community.

The situation is critical, and the support is not happening quickly enough for the hungry and injured people of Leogáne, this is why our mission is to focus our efforts where immediate help can be recognized. We need your financial support from the very basics of food, shelter and clothing to the rebuilding of orphanages, schools and hospitals/clinics. Donate today.

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