Political unrest has economic impact on needy in Haiti

(Renee Dietrich worked at two Iowa newspapers before becoming photo editor at The Journal in September 1995 to November 1997 and at The Messenger in Fort Dodge, Iowa from November 1997 to October 2002. She won many state and national awards for her photography during that time. From 1988 to 2002, she traveled to Haiti once or twice a year to do service projects and independent photography projects.

She moved to Haiti in Nov. 2002 to become Director of Advancement for the St. Joseph's Family. The organization consists of three children's homes -- St. Joseph's Home for Boys in Port-au-Prince, and Trinity House in Jacmel, both homes for former street boys; and Wings of Hope in Fermathe, a home for mentally and physically-challenged children and young adults.

Dietrich lives at Wings of Hope, on a mountain side, a 30-minute bus ride from Port-au-Prince. Her duties include grant writing, fund-raising, and public relations.)

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

FERMATHE, Haiti -- While news of the recent political turmoil has dominated international media for days on end, Dietrich said she and her "family" remain physically well.

"We give all thanks and praise to God for protecting us through these troubled times," Dietrich said via e-mail late last week.

St. Joseph's operates guest houses in all three of its homes and relies on visitors as a major income source. Due to weakening political conditions and warnings against travel to Haiti, many groups that were scheduled to visit the homes cancelled their plans.

High school and college spring break groups often visit Haiti between January and July. That period is usually the busiest time of the year for the guest houses. They have been empty for several weeks and are likely to stay that way at least for the near future.

So far, cancellations have amounted to $50,820 in lost U.S. dollars to the St. Joseph's Family.

"That figure represents 36 groups and 298 people that would have gotten to know the kids and become part of our family," Dietrich said.

She added that the figure is only the tip of the iceberg since other factors include those that backed out of trips who came to Haiti in January and February; donations that guests leave above and beyond their guest house charges; and potential donations of those that made the trip and share the story with their families and friends after they return home.

Other factors include donations from those that view the Resurrection Dance Theater, donations of goods brought into the country and the value of medical and rehabilitation professionals that work with the children and staff of Wings of Hope.

The annual operating budget for the St. Joseph's Family is $360,000. If losses are not stopped, they will severely impact programs and children's lives.

In order to deal with financial losses, the St. Joseph's family created a fund-raising program allowing donors to spend a "virtual" night with them.

For the normal guest house rate of $30, or multiples of that, donors will be remembered in prayers during an evening prayer service and their names will be read out loud for all the family to hear. Donors will receive a thank-you card from one of the children in the St. Joseph's family.

A pastor that heard about the program thought it would be a good chance for youth groups that want to help support the program. She suggested a youth group host a "Haiti Night." Kids would sleep on the floor as they do at Trinity House; enjoy a night of stories, dance, basketball and games and share a simple meal of rice and beans.

Those interested in the program should send donations to Hearts With Haiti, 708 McCulloch Street, Raleigh, N.C. 27603. Donors are asked to include a note with their donation indicating the money is for the St. Joseph's Guest House Project. Donors will receive receipts for tax deduction purposes.

For more information, contact Dietrich at sjgrants@hotmail.com