Elected Officials, Local Leaders Join Forces to Aid Haitian Communities Devastated by Hurricane Matthew

A huge shipment of food, water, medical supplies and other donations from New Yorkers will be delivered to Haiti assist those devastated by Hurricane Matthew.

The more than 30,000 pounds of donations on 60 pallets include food, water, hygiene products, medical supplies and clothing. The state, the Haitian Consulate, elected officials and local leaders worked together to gather items for those in need and provide support services for family members in New York.

The statewide effort impressed Jackie Cassagnol, founder of Nanuet-based World Community First Responder, who went to Haiti after the massive hurricane struck this fall to help with the relief efforts.

"I applaud the efforts of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Consul General of Haiti in New York Peter Helder Bernard, Esq.'s work to help the people of Haiti recover from Hurricane Matthew," Cassagnol said. "The island of Haiti still had not recovered from the 2010 earthquake that killed 200,000 people when hurricane Matthew struck. The devastation increased the need for food, water, and resources to address a serious humanitarian crisis.

"I was recently in Haiti to assist with recovery efforts after Hurricane Matthew, and witnessed first hand the devastation. The people of Haiti need all the help they can get. It's great to see the people of New York team up to make a real difference. The elected officials and local leaders should be proud of their efforts to assist the people of Haiti as they struggle to recover from not one, but two, natural disasters."

Hurricane Matthew was a Category 4 storm when it hit the southwestern portion of Haiti on Oct. 4, 2016. The effects of heavy rain, high winds and damaging tides took their toll on the country, its people and its land.

Information provided by the Consulate General of Haiti in New York indicates the storm left nearly 500 people dead, approximately 150,000 homeless, and more than a million severely struggling for the means to survive. Six years after suffering a catastrophic earthquake claiming the lives of over 300,000 Haitians, the people of Haiti were yet again dealt a devastating blow as the storm ravaged farms and livestock, eliminating a prime source of food and destroyed communities including Jeremie, Grand Anse, Les Cayes, Nippes.

Ongoing challenges for the Haitian people include addressing the cholera epidemic and supplying those affected by Hurricane Matthew with the basic amenities of life.

“I am proud New Yorkers opened their hearts and donated these much needed supplies to support this nation’s recovery efforts,” Cuomo said. “New Yorkers always help their neighbors in need, whether they are next door or around the globe.”

The Haitian Consulate General, the governor's office, community organizations including the National Action Network, local and state government officials, and many others joined forces to help manage logistics for community donations and the New York National Guard picked up the collected items at more than 25 state office locations throughout the State and delivered them to State warehouse locations in Albany and Brentwood. The Office of General Services packaged the items and readied the donations for shipment.

Next, items will be transferred from the New York State Office of General Services warehouse in Brentwood by truck and rail to Florida, and then shipped to Haiti by the Consulate.

“Hurricane Matthew caused much devastation in so many areas of the country and the outpouring of aid from the people of New York is so great," the Haitian Consul General said, "it is an honor to personally thank you all for your generosity and support for our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Haiti loves New York…and New York loves Haiti.”