It’s hard to get specific information about the effect of Hurricane Melissa on Haiti, as of course Jamaica and now Cuba are suffering the brunt of the storm; however, there is a report that Petit Goave (located about halfway between Leogane and Miragoane along Rt. 2) has had extensive flooding from the Digue River, killing at least 20 people with many more missing. The Rt. 2 bridge over the Digue was washed out by Hurricane Matthew in 2016, necessitating a long detour for traffic between Leogane and Miragoane and points west, including Les Cayes and Jeremie. As yet there has been no report as to whether the rebuilt bridge has held this time.
Pere Kesner Gracia sent the following note, thanking everyone for patience as the principals on the Partnership account were updated, leading to some delays in transferring funds:
Dear Partners,
On behalf of the Partnership Program Coordination of the Diocese of Haiti, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your patience, understanding, and unwavering support. Your trust and collaboration are a precious source of encouragement and motivation for us.
We are pleased to inform you that all procedures have now been completed and that the funds intended for our local partners have been deposited into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts. Thanks to your cooperation, we can continue to work together to advance our projects and support the communities we serve.
We sincerely renew our gratitude for your faithful commitment and assure you of our full availability to address any questions or concerns. Your partnership is highly valued, and we look forward to continuing to build a better future for our communities together.
With our warmest regards and friendship,
Father Kesner Gracia
Coordinator of the Partnership Program
Diocese of Haiti
Jonathan Steers of Better Together International shares information for a fundraiser coming up next week in Costa Mesa, CA. Their schools, one in Carrefour and soon to be one in Leogane, are located in areas where many people fleeing Port-au-Prince along Rt. 2 have settled, so the need for more school space is significant.
Better Together International runs a school in Carrefour, Haiti for 150 children and is building a second campus in Léogâne to serve another 300. We provide food, clean water, education, and clothing—plus entrepreneurship and AI training to prepare students for a brighter, self-sustaining future.
Join us for a fun, family-friendly event with live music on November 9th from 2–4 p.m. in Orange County, California, raising awareness and funds to build our new campus and sponsor children’s education, nutrition, and health care.
I can’t say it too many times — thank you so much to those of you who are supporting the construction of shelters in the areas of Cange, Thomonde, and Hinche for people displaced from the Mirebalais area, and for those of you who continue to support your partnerships faithfully and generously.
Yours,
Serena Evans Beeks
Canon Serena Evans Beeks, D.Min.
US Coordinator, Haiti Episcopal School Partnerships
National Association of Episcopal Schools
