The images and stories coming from Haiti in the wake of the earthquake on January 12, 2010 are overwhelming with grief and heartfelt need. Without hesitation, many want to respond immediately and significantly. In the days, weeks, and months ahead, Florida communities will see greater calls for continued assistance as disaster refugees, orphans and the wounded look to us for care and compassion.

FIND intends to keep the latest situation reports and volunteer news available at this site -- see the links in the right panel. FIND also reminds its network members

• to pace themselves (resources and commitment) and
• to document their activities for later reporting (perhaps even reimbursement). Documentation should include Event, Date, Volunteer Names, Activities Undertaken, and Length of Time.

The Haiti Earthquake is a matter of international assistance, and thus falls outside the scope of FEMA. Along the way, many of us will interface with Homeland Security as we seek to render aid and assistance to victims. Florida, because of its historic Haitian community and active links with Haiti, will play a major role in any resettlement. The faith community has an opportunity to witness to its professionalism and expertise. Let's do it together well!

NOTE: The upcoming Compassion Fatigue Workshop 2/26 and the zip file that contains the one page briefs on Haitian refugee policies.

Read Paul Fleming's story about Teddy Bear comfort for Haitian children.

. . . from Volunteer Florida:

Good afternoon ESF 15 Partners!

The State EOC remains at a level 2. 

ESF 15 is currently conducting the following operations:

• Coordinating with DCF to identify assistance for Humanitarian Parolees
• Coordinating with Miami-Dade County on Haiti relief activities - www.miamidade.gov/oem/haiti.asp
• Continuing to monitoring and update ESF 15 Support Agencies' activities 

The following documents are attached:

• Situation Reports - Haiti Earthquake (from the Florida Division of Emergency Management)
• Haiti Earthquake- ESF 15 Update Summary 17 for 1-28-10 (from Volunteer Florida)
• Operation Haiti Relief ESF 15 Data 1-28-10 (from Volunteer Florida) 
• DCF Fact Sheet - Updated  - Haitian Parolees (from DCF) 

ESF 15 reminds all partners to document their volunteer activities and donations on the form provided.  It is very important your activities supporting repatriation operations in Florida are documented.

Please continue to provide updates on your organization's activities by 2:00 PM.  Copy Cicero Hartsfield This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it  and Alfred Claud (A.C.) - This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on all replies and new reports.

Thank you!

Cicero Hartsfield