Hello,

My name is Rochelle Dongarra. I was born in Haiti, but now live in Madison, WI.  I immigrated to Miami about 20 years ago, but most of my family still lives in Haiti. As you may know, Hurricane Matthew destroyed countless homes and other facilities in Haiti. The town that I lived in with my uncles and grandmother for the first 8 years of my life, is now a pile of rubble.  My family, including my aunt and uncle who raised me, have been catastrophically affected by the hurricane. This uncle, along with his two brothers have lost everything. Fortunately, they were not physically harmed, but they have lost their homes, crops, food supply, and business. In addition, my uncle is insulin dependent and is unable to replace his medication. The clinic that was administering his treatment has been destroyed by the storm. He has sent for the medication from Port-au-Prince, at almost triple the cost.

We are thankful that my grandmother’s home withstood the force of the hurricane. This allows for my other family members who lost their homes to share a shelter for the time being. My 11 cousins, 2 uncles and their wives are now sleeping in this house. However, they have very little food, or clean water. They lack even basic supplies like a tooth brush or toilet paper.

My sister, cousin, and I have been doing what we can to help them, but our resources are limited. The government in Haiti is incapable of helping and/or unwilling to do so. Unfortunately, the Red Cross is not helpful in allocating effectively. Truthfully, I am very uncomfortable and embarrassed to ask, but I not could live with myself if I did not do all I can to help. Any funds raised will be used to purchase food, basic household items (i.e. matress, personal hygiene supplies), and to repair housing construction that was destroyed by the storm. Your donations will be withdrawn to me, and I will transfer/western union 100% of the funds to my family in Haiti. This is my family, and I am asking for help. Anything you can give will go a long ways.

My sincere gratitude,

Rochelle