Undercover Operation

by Joanna Mayhew

It has rained a few times in Port-au-Prince this week, and clouds frequently seem to be threatening more. In a city full of those displaced from their homes, it seems a desperate race against time to ensure people have temporary shelters as an initial defense against the elements that will inevitably arrive soon.

According to the UN coordination body, more than 480,000 tarps must be distributed in order to reach all 1.2 million individuals in Haiti needing shelter. Most people are currently sleeping on the streets, in parks and empty lots, or on narrow medians with lean-to shelters made up of anything that can be found—worn sheets, cardboard scraps, tin sheets, old blankets, sticks, plastic bags or dried palm branches. And they have already been doing so for a month.

World Relief is supporting local partner churches to distribute plastic sheeting to the neediest communities. This week we began distributing 2,000 tarps in Cite Soleil, one of the poorest and most dangerous neighborhoods in the city. We are planning to distribute thousands more in the coming weeks ahead of the rainy season. Each church receives 30 tarps from set distribution points to distribute to the most vulnerable in their congregation and community.

“We know the churches are a strength in the midst of this disaster,” said Pastor Gregoire Franz when he picked up his allotted tarps. “Please continue to think of the churches.”

Most pastors already have dozens of individuals sleeping on their church property who have nowhere else to go. It is a stark symbol of the church opening its doors—or yards—in a time of great need. Church leaders have done what they can. Some people in their care have makeshift coverings, and others go without. Ten percent of Pastor Gabriel Delenor’s congregation had their houses completely destroyed, and almost all of them have homes that are structurally unsound. Without homes, they have gathered in a makeshift camp at the church.

“Two days ago when it was raining, I was very sad to see people lying down without any covering,” he said. “I heard them crying and pleading to God for help. I told them they should keep praying, and that God would hear them.” Surveying his new stock of waterproof tarps, he added, “Now He has.”

A day later, Cleromene Severe was one who received a tarp at her local church. During the earthquake, her home collapsed completely—killing a 16-month-old in her care who was trapped on the first floor. Now she sleeps on the street outside with six others—without a single covering. She worries constantly, about security while living on the road, having enough food for her family, and replacing all of her destroyed belongings. “Now that I have a tarp, it’s the beginning of change,” she said. “I’m no longer afraid of the rain. I know when it comes, we will be protected.”

As World Relief supports local churches, pastors pour themselves out to those in their care. “I think it’s time for pastors to come and support people in all areas of need—social, emotional, spiritual and psychological,” said Pastor John August. He has been counseling those seeking meaning amidst the destruction all around them. He encourages them to continue with their normal activities, like cleaning the yard, walking with their children and talking with their friends. “I tell them, ‘We have to give a sense to our lives.’”

Every direction you look in the city and beyond, people are without homes, churches and workplaces. But they are not without hope. “Our place of ministry completely collapsed,” said Pastor Lelio. "We are in the street, but we still worship the Lord there.”

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