Helston aid charity ShelterBox has set up three separate operational centres in and around Haiti to help distribute assistance to the estimated one million people left homeless by a devastating earthquake.
The three-man ShelterBox response team (SRT) in Haiti has set up an operations base in the capital Port au Prince with the help of Rotarians in the area to co-ordinate the delivery of aid in the country.
They are working with the French aid agency ACTED to determine the areas in most need of assistance and are training personnel to put up tents ahead of their arrival into the devastated country.
The Haiti operation is being supported by logistical hubs set up in Miami and the Dominican Republic capital Santa Domingo.
Boxes have been flown to both cities for onward transportation to Haiti. Overall logistical co-ordination is being managed from ShelterBox headquarters in Helston.
ShelterBox head of operations John Leach said: “This is the largest, quickest and most complex deployment in our history. We are now very well organised across four countries to get ShelterBoxes to the people of Haiti quickly.
“We are now set up to channel aid to those in need efficiently and effectively in the days and weeks to come. This is a long term commitment from ShelterBox and we have to sustain our initial push.”
Warehouse volunteers continue to pack boxes day and night in Helston.
More than 3,300 boxes have been committed by the charity so far, enough to help up to 33,000 people. Given the enormity of the disaster, more boxes are being packed ready to be sent to the Caribbean country.
ShelterBox founder Tom Henderson said: “The need in Haiti is huge. Current estimates are that there are over a million people who have lost their homes.
“We continue to rely on the support of volunteers and donors to allow us to help them in the days and weeks to come.”
Donations can be made to ShelterBox on 0300 0300 500 or to the Disasters Emergency Committee, which involves 13 charities including the British Red Cross and World Vision, on 0370 60 60 900.
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