CWS emergency supplies being unloaded in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Photo Paul Jeffrey/ACT International

As emergency relief personnel and crucial supplies continue to pour into Haiti, United Church of Christ members and congregations are maintaining their overwhelming support of the earthquake-ravaged nation, according to UCC leaders. As of Feb. 2, more than $650,000 had been raised by the UCC Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund, according to Susan M. Sanders, UCC's minister for global sharing of resources.

"The total of $652,943 includes $375,942 that has been raised through online contributions," says Sanders. The three-week total is more than two and a half times the $250,603 raised during the first six days following the Jan. 12 disaster.

Ground efforts in addressing emergency needs are also adding up. The UCC is supporting Church World Service in providing basic supplies for quake survivors. Among supplies being provided at five sites by the CWS and the Action by Churches Together (ACT) Alliance effort are CWS Kits and Blankets, medical supplies, food and water.

The UCC is also supporting the provision of 60 medicine boxes to address desperate medical needs in Port-au-Prince. Each IMA World Health medicine box contains essential medicines and medical supplies to treat the routine ailments of about 1,000 adults and children for up to two months.

UCC/CWS-supported efforts as part of the ACT Alliance also include construction of temporary water systems, and provision of water purification materials, tents and food packages. Long-term CWS work will focus on food security in rural areas and expanding work with people with disabilities in Port-au-Prince.

In addition, Global Ministries of the UCC/Disciples of Christ is supporting longtime partner CONASPEH  in relief efforts among member congregations. Planning is underway to re-establish outreach and social services, and to rebuild churches.

It is anticipated the UCC will be responding to the disaster for the next five to eight years.

Meanwhile, countless creative initiatives from UCC entities have taken shape. Among them: Retirement Housing Foundation (RHF) in California has issued a $50,000 match grant to encourage employees to donate; an employee campaign at Advocate Health Care in Chicago is sharing proceeds with both the UCC and Evangelical Lutheran Churches of America (ELCA); First United Church of Christ in Hampton, Va., is planning a benefit concert for Haiti on Feb. 21; and the youth group of Mountain Rise UCC in Fairport, N.Y., voted to donate the $1,720.25 it recently raised through Christmas wreath sales.

In addition, Beecher Memorial UCC in New Orleans has sent a first offering of $629 and has pledged to receive a special Haiti offering the first Sunday of each month in 2010. In a letter to UCC Wider Church Ministries, the Rev. Juan R. Thomas, Senior Pastor at Beecher Memorial, wrote: "The citizens of New Orleans and the members of Beecher Memorial UCC, who 4½ years after Hurricane Katrina continue to rebuild from devastation, destruction and pain, are deeply affected by what we have seen in Haiti."
 
Haiti is receiving millions of dollars in emergency aid at a time when it owes a huge debt to the international community. Jubilee USA Network, a leading advocate of nations in debt, is joining a global call for Haiti's $1-billion-plus debt to be waived.

"For Haiti to have a solid chance at a strong recovery, and to build back better, its debt must be forgiven," says Sanders. Adds Neil Watkins, Executive Director of Jubilee USA, "The international community cannot possibly expect Haiti to pay back a loan for emergency relief in the wake of this disaster." 

Checks payable to United Church of Christ marked for Haiti may be sent to: UCC, Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund; 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-1100. Online gifts are still being accepted at the Haiti Earthquake Relief donation page.  All gifts received by the UCC Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund will be used for relief and rehabilitation initiatives. Administrative costs are being covered by UCC members' contributions to Our Churches Wider Mission (OCWM).