Gonaives, Artibonite

After multiple devastating hurrincanes passed over Haiti in Fall 2008, thousands of residents were left homeless and hungry.  As a low-lying and highly populated city, Gonaives was hit particularly hard by flooding from these storms as people took refuge on rooftops.  Ten feet of water consumed the school of St. John's in Gonaives holding four religious and over 200 Haitian locals seeking security.  After the waters subsided, representatives of Catholic Relief Services recognized this school as a stronghold in the community and started re-constructing walls and storage facilities around the school grounds.  In December 2008, a group of American volunteers from Columbia and Silver Spring, MD, visited the school to repair electricity and water systems for the school and home on the grounds.  Efforts continue to re-build the community and economy of Gonaives which is now swelling with many people from Port-au-Prince who were displaced by the horrendous earthquake in January 2010.  Your continued support and prayers are crucial for this strong-willed and determined faith community.