Haitians in Need in Sosúa Dominican Republic
Donation protected
Hola familia,
I'm raising funds to buy food, necessities, and give cash directly to the Haitian community in Sosúa. Sosúa is a tourist town in Puerto Plata, the Dominican Republic. Most people that live and come to work here depend on tourism to survive and since it has taken a major hit with the coronavirus pandemic (on top of it already doing pretty bad because of the economy), things have taken a turn for the worse—especially for our most vulnerable. My partner and her friends have raised money to buy food for poor Sosuenses (Dominicans in Sosúa). They have given out 100 bags of food and necessities already. I was inspired by their humanity and immediately thought of Haitian immigrants and their descendants. Even though it's a developing nation, poverty here is rampant, and Haitians are at the bottom, facing the brunt of all isms.
The nation has been on lockdown. There are no incoming flights from Europe or the United States and tourists have been fleeing. Which means many Haitian folks whose very lives depend on tourism (selling food, candy, art, providing services, construction, sex work, those unemployed and depending on them, etc), are in dire need of help. Many will (and are) go hungry and won't have funds to purchase whatever necessity they need at the moment.
Ideally, I'd like to give RD$800 worth of groceries and necessities and RD$800 in cash to at least 100 folks. That's RD$1,600 pesos. Which is roughly (depending on the institution, since the currency exchange goes up and down) $30 dollars per person. That's a $3,000 dollars in total, plus the fees both gofundme (besides the one they take from you) and the fees charged by ATMs and banks here. I am aiming for $3,500. If there is any balance left, that will also be given out.
Why groceries and cash? I prefer to give cash directly to people, with no frills, no intrusive questions asked. I lived a good chunk of my life in Bed-Stuy and have seen first hand how demoralizing and dehumanizing it is for poor Black and Brown people seeking help—even by those who get paid to help them out. One never knows exactly what someone needs and they should have the freedom to purchase whatever they believe they need without having conditions placed on them. The groceries are to save them the trouble of going to stores and exposing themselves to the virus and discrimination.
I prefer to remain detached and anonymous since I usually raise money from family and friends (for family and friends) and since this might reach out to other folks, I understand the need for transparency. I have been in the trenches for decades, as a volunteer and as a receiver of help. It's why I also prefer to not deal with bureaucracy, collaborations to the point of stagnation, boastful and unnecessary photo-ops, and endless debating that delay the help. My name is César Vargas. I am a writer, director, advocate, and strategist based in the United States (Brooklyn, NY & Los Angeles, California). People know me for my sin pelos en la lengua cultural criticism and advocacy. I've been published in several outlets. You can find my social media handles at @cesarvargas365 (both Twitter & Facebook) and my website (www.cesarvargas365.com) if you have any questions or would like to help. My email is [email redacted]. I am currently in Sosúa finishing a book. I came before things got really bad and remained because things got really bad. The Balbuena/Castillo family of Los Castillo, Sosúa, will help me distribute the contributions since I don't have transportation here. We'll also make sure to wear protective gear to not expose the Haitian community to this pandemic.
I will keep you updated with pics and information. I'll share pics and words from those who receive the help, with their consent, to keep you informed and to perhaps inspire others to help Haitian folks wherever they may be.
Any little bit counts. Your shares and messages of this fundraiser to your family, friends, and networks will also be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your help!
I'm raising funds to buy food, necessities, and give cash directly to the Haitian community in Sosúa. Sosúa is a tourist town in Puerto Plata, the Dominican Republic. Most people that live and come to work here depend on tourism to survive and since it has taken a major hit with the coronavirus pandemic (on top of it already doing pretty bad because of the economy), things have taken a turn for the worse—especially for our most vulnerable. My partner and her friends have raised money to buy food for poor Sosuenses (Dominicans in Sosúa). They have given out 100 bags of food and necessities already. I was inspired by their humanity and immediately thought of Haitian immigrants and their descendants. Even though it's a developing nation, poverty here is rampant, and Haitians are at the bottom, facing the brunt of all isms.
The nation has been on lockdown. There are no incoming flights from Europe or the United States and tourists have been fleeing. Which means many Haitian folks whose very lives depend on tourism (selling food, candy, art, providing services, construction, sex work, those unemployed and depending on them, etc), are in dire need of help. Many will (and are) go hungry and won't have funds to purchase whatever necessity they need at the moment.
Ideally, I'd like to give RD$800 worth of groceries and necessities and RD$800 in cash to at least 100 folks. That's RD$1,600 pesos. Which is roughly (depending on the institution, since the currency exchange goes up and down) $30 dollars per person. That's a $3,000 dollars in total, plus the fees both gofundme (besides the one they take from you) and the fees charged by ATMs and banks here. I am aiming for $3,500. If there is any balance left, that will also be given out.
Why groceries and cash? I prefer to give cash directly to people, with no frills, no intrusive questions asked. I lived a good chunk of my life in Bed-Stuy and have seen first hand how demoralizing and dehumanizing it is for poor Black and Brown people seeking help—even by those who get paid to help them out. One never knows exactly what someone needs and they should have the freedom to purchase whatever they believe they need without having conditions placed on them. The groceries are to save them the trouble of going to stores and exposing themselves to the virus and discrimination.
I prefer to remain detached and anonymous since I usually raise money from family and friends (for family and friends) and since this might reach out to other folks, I understand the need for transparency. I have been in the trenches for decades, as a volunteer and as a receiver of help. It's why I also prefer to not deal with bureaucracy, collaborations to the point of stagnation, boastful and unnecessary photo-ops, and endless debating that delay the help. My name is César Vargas. I am a writer, director, advocate, and strategist based in the United States (Brooklyn, NY & Los Angeles, California). People know me for my sin pelos en la lengua cultural criticism and advocacy. I've been published in several outlets. You can find my social media handles at @cesarvargas365 (both Twitter & Facebook) and my website (www.cesarvargas365.com) if you have any questions or would like to help. My email is [email redacted]. I am currently in Sosúa finishing a book. I came before things got really bad and remained because things got really bad. The Balbuena/Castillo family of Los Castillo, Sosúa, will help me distribute the contributions since I don't have transportation here. We'll also make sure to wear protective gear to not expose the Haitian community to this pandemic.
I will keep you updated with pics and information. I'll share pics and words from those who receive the help, with their consent, to keep you informed and to perhaps inspire others to help Haitian folks wherever they may be.
Any little bit counts. Your shares and messages of this fundraiser to your family, friends, and networks will also be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your help!
Organizer
César Vargas
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY
