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February 19, 2010
Haiti Project
As TV coverage unveiled the devastation caused by the earthquake on January 12,
2010, I immediately wanted to go to Haiti to lend a helping hand. I was
especially disturbed because although “the world” gave so very generously,
apparently, logistics and inefficiencies prohibited aid from moving very quickly
to those who were in such dire need. Seemingly, security concerns sometimes
adversely affected the flow of aid yet such concerns may have been tempered had
the flow of aid flowed more rapidly to those who were in need. We want to assist
and help assure that “All” in need, have their basic needs met. Thereafter, we
wish to assist with temporary housing provisions and the building of
structurally sound homes that will be better able to withstand natural
disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. In conjunction with the
building of homes, we wish to provide various opportunities to enhance the
lifestyle of the Haitian people.
We are willing to commit to a minimum of five years. Realistically, it may take
approximately ten years to rebuild the country but we will assess where we are
in terms of our contribution for the rebuilding of the country annually after
the first five years. We feel that the Haitian people need to be educated and
provided with vocational opportunities; we intend to implement such as we go
about building homes---job opportunities related to construction and
administrative skills can be easily implemented. The educational and vocational
training along with employment opportunities will go a long way in empowering
the Haitians.
This program “Helping Haiti” will need to be funded. We
can prepare preliminary budgets prior to going to Haiti the latter part of
March. For ongoing operations, once we set up headquarters, we will be able to
better assess monthly aid needs/operating expenses. We are prepared to fully
account for every dollar and to keep overhead costs at a minimum so that most of
the aid we receive can go to the Haitian people (as those contributing
intended). We welcome all cash contributions, pledges and commitments since this
will be a vast, ongoing effort. Our current bank account will be utilized for
current donations; you may contribute to this account by going to our website: www.jjlmillerfoundation.org, making donations
and pledges, and clicking on the Helping Haiti “donate button”; alternatively,
donations may be mailed.
We will set up the Haiti program on the website and
will update the Donations Total as donations come in. A second bank account will
be set up for donations in excess of monthly operating expenses; funds will be
transferred as needed. Regular financial statements will be posted on our
website.
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