Earthquake in Haiti, Kay Lasante Clinic in Haiti
Letter to friends and supporters of Kay Lasante Clinic in Haiti
August. 17, 2021
Dear Friends,
In this moment, we have no words for the sadness and deep sorrow we carry for the people of Haiti. As you already know, Haiti experienced a powerful, 7.2 magnitude earthquake on Saturday morning, Aug. 14, 2021.
The epicenter of the earthquake hit the areas of Jeremie, Les Cayes, and the surrounding area--about 80 miles west of Port Au Prince. Kay Lasante Clinic and all of our staff members are safe. Our neighborhood in Port Au Prince was unaffected, but families of two staff members were impacted--one lost their home, and another was injured. The death toll from this earthquake is over 1400 people and counting. More than 5000 have been injured. Thousands of homes and businesses, and most churches have been destroyed or damaged. Many people are suffering due to lack of food, water, and medical care.
In this country already torn by unrelenting poverty, gang violence, and political turmoil, the news is beyond heart breaking. As I write, the coming tropical storm Grace is predicted to bring torrential rain, flooding, and the threat of landslides to the same area affected by the earthquake.
Daniel Tillias, our dear friend, translator, and advisory board member shares that the areas of Jeremie and Les Cayes do not have the resources to deal with the dire needs of the people in the aftermath of the earthquake. He believes that people will be coming to Port Au Prince for help, potentially increasing the number of patients we see.
The work of Kay Lasante continues. The clinic is a place where people will be able to go for quality, compassionate care. At a time when there seems such hopelessness, we are heartened knowing that our staff are anchors of care and compassion. They will be there as needed to provide the health care and support in a deeply meaningful way.
We are currently in discernment about how we might be able to assist with the relief efforts. As we become aware of reliable organizations providing emergency relief in the earthquake damaged area, we will let you know.
The one constant that makes all of this tragic news bearable is the outpouring of love and support for Haiti. We so appreciate the phone calls, texts, and emails inquiring about the situation in Haiti, and your concern for how Kay Lasante Clinic and the staff are doing in the midst of this tragedy.
We depend on you and your fervent prayer and faithful support for the people of Haiti. May we all hold the resilience and faith they are carrying in this time of crisis upon crisis. May we find strong ways to bear the load they are carrying with them.
Blessings and Peace,
Mary Beth Appel
Johanna Berrigan
Kara Chambers-Grant
Katie Huynh
Bishop Thomas Gumbleton
If interested in donating, checks are preferred, and should be made payable to:
House of Grace Catholic Worker
1826 E. Lehigh Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19125
Or
Bishop Tom Gumbleton
1616 Bagley Street
Detroit, MI 48216
***Please be sure to write Kay Lasante Clinic in the memo line***
August. 17, 2021
Dear Friends,
In this moment, we have no words for the sadness and deep sorrow we carry for the people of Haiti. As you already know, Haiti experienced a powerful, 7.2 magnitude earthquake on Saturday morning, Aug. 14, 2021.
The epicenter of the earthquake hit the areas of Jeremie, Les Cayes, and the surrounding area--about 80 miles west of Port Au Prince. Kay Lasante Clinic and all of our staff members are safe. Our neighborhood in Port Au Prince was unaffected, but families of two staff members were impacted--one lost their home, and another was injured. The death toll from this earthquake is over 1400 people and counting. More than 5000 have been injured. Thousands of homes and businesses, and most churches have been destroyed or damaged. Many people are suffering due to lack of food, water, and medical care.
In this country already torn by unrelenting poverty, gang violence, and political turmoil, the news is beyond heart breaking. As I write, the coming tropical storm Grace is predicted to bring torrential rain, flooding, and the threat of landslides to the same area affected by the earthquake.
Daniel Tillias, our dear friend, translator, and advisory board member shares that the areas of Jeremie and Les Cayes do not have the resources to deal with the dire needs of the people in the aftermath of the earthquake. He believes that people will be coming to Port Au Prince for help, potentially increasing the number of patients we see.
The work of Kay Lasante continues. The clinic is a place where people will be able to go for quality, compassionate care. At a time when there seems such hopelessness, we are heartened knowing that our staff are anchors of care and compassion. They will be there as needed to provide the health care and support in a deeply meaningful way.
We are currently in discernment about how we might be able to assist with the relief efforts. As we become aware of reliable organizations providing emergency relief in the earthquake damaged area, we will let you know.
The one constant that makes all of this tragic news bearable is the outpouring of love and support for Haiti. We so appreciate the phone calls, texts, and emails inquiring about the situation in Haiti, and your concern for how Kay Lasante Clinic and the staff are doing in the midst of this tragedy.
We depend on you and your fervent prayer and faithful support for the people of Haiti. May we all hold the resilience and faith they are carrying in this time of crisis upon crisis. May we find strong ways to bear the load they are carrying with them.
Blessings and Peace,
Mary Beth Appel
Johanna Berrigan
Kara Chambers-Grant
Katie Huynh
Bishop Thomas Gumbleton
If interested in donating, checks are preferred, and should be made payable to:
House of Grace Catholic Worker
1826 E. Lehigh Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19125
Or
Bishop Tom Gumbleton
1616 Bagley Street
Detroit, MI 48216
***Please be sure to write Kay Lasante Clinic in the memo line***
About
This website is maintained by friends, and former parishioners of Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton. It is our wish that Tom's words and his example, which for years have amplified the gospel message of the compassionate, non-violent Jesus, might be available to everyone who seeks guidance on the Christian path of peace, justice and service to the poor and suffering.
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Haiti: Project Kay LasanteSUPPORT PROJECT KAY LASANTE WITH AN ONLINE DONATION
OR: Make a donation by mail
Checks made out to: Fonkoze USA/memo line: Project Kay Lasante mail to: Bishop Thomas Gumbleton 1616 Bagley Rd. Detroit, MI 48216 |
Watch the new video about Haitian history and the health care project that Bishop Gumbleton helped to found and continues to support: "Kay Lasante"
About Project Kay Lasante
Kay Lasante means "House of Health" in Haitian Creole.
Kay Lasante is a health care project focused on serving the Petite Place Cazeau and Caradeux communities of Port au Prince. We operate primarily as an outpatient clinic which serves the health care needs of the surrounding community via education, consultations, follow-up care, and on-site pharmacy. Kay Lasante also works off-site, providing services such as: home visits, community health outreach, and health education/disease prevention classes.
Kay Lasante operates under the basic principle that health care is a human right, not a privilege. Kay Lasante is committed to serving the poor and marginalized who have lacked access to much-needed health care services.
Kay Lasante was founded as a project of the St. Claire's parish community at the request of Fr. Gerard Jean Juste and parish members. Kay Lasante seeks to embody the vision of Fr. Jean Juste to serve the least among us with dignity and compassion in the spirit of the gospel mission to care for the sick and work for justice for the poor.
Kay Lasante is a health care project focused on serving the Petite Place Cazeau and Caradeux communities of Port au Prince. We operate primarily as an outpatient clinic which serves the health care needs of the surrounding community via education, consultations, follow-up care, and on-site pharmacy. Kay Lasante also works off-site, providing services such as: home visits, community health outreach, and health education/disease prevention classes.
Kay Lasante operates under the basic principle that health care is a human right, not a privilege. Kay Lasante is committed to serving the poor and marginalized who have lacked access to much-needed health care services.
Kay Lasante was founded as a project of the St. Claire's parish community at the request of Fr. Gerard Jean Juste and parish members. Kay Lasante seeks to embody the vision of Fr. Jean Juste to serve the least among us with dignity and compassion in the spirit of the gospel mission to care for the sick and work for justice for the poor.