May 26, 2010: Haiti Shelter Village completed...
Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Allah (SWT), the support of donors like yourself and dedicated efforts of our HHRD Team in Haiti, the Haiti Shelter Village has been completed.
Learn More...
Wednesday May 5, 2010 - Help is still needed...
Helping Hand for Relief and Development has been conducting emergency relief
operations in Haiti since January with aid ranging from medical clinics to
building shelters for the needy. Our appeal
...
Learn More...
April 27, 2010 - Haiti Relief during intense Weather...
Village work is in progress, most of the foundations of the shelters have been
laid. Many families have moved into the 40 shelters already built. Despite the
weather conditions HHRD team is working....
Learn More...
Wednesday April 21, 2010: 40 Shelters and counting...
Please bring
your family and friends to the Helping Hand for Relief and Development booth at
the ICNA Convention this year from May 29th – May 31st
2010... Learn More...
April 14, 2010 - Haiti Relief during intense Weather...
This includes, but is not limited, to their Orphan
Sponsorship Program, Women Empowerment Program, Education Program, Livelihood
Project, and...
Learn More...
Wednesday April 7, 2010 - Bright Future: Gratitude and Smiles
Their gratitude towards HHRD is heartfelt as one Haitian
sent a handmade plaque to HHRD representatives a token of his appreciation. The
simplicity of these people and their joy at the smallest of items is
heartwarming and reminds HHRD volunteers to be ever grateful for the ability to
...
Learn More...
Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Allah (SWT), the support of donors like yourself and dedicated efforts of our HHRD Team in Haiti, the Haiti Shelter Village has been completed.
Not too long ago Helping Hand for Relief and Development launched
a campaign to provide 100 shelters for thousands who had turned homeless after
that devastating earthquake in Haiti. And now it is a reality for many who can
now sleep under a roof peacefully.
HHRD also provided the community of Leogone with a school where
over 200 children will receive education.
In preparation for Ramadan, HHRD provided the Muslim community
with a Mosque and the Muslim Haitian community held their first Jum’a last week
on Friday, May 21st, 2010.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks, on behalf of the
grateful Haitian Leogone community, to all those who helped bring this Shelter
Village to reality. We look forward to your continuous support.
Please visit www.muslimsforhaiti.org to view a
complete album of HHRD Haiti Shelter Village.
ICNA Convention:
It’s this weekend! We are looking forward to seeing you at the
ICNA Convention in Hartford, Connecticut. The excitement begins this Memorial
Day weekend, May 29th -31st 2010 Saturday - Monday in Hartford, CT.
Please visit our booth in the Bazaar located in the Bazaar area.
Helping Hand for Relief and Development will also be hosting an international
relief efforts session during the ICNA Convention 2010: ‘Helping Hand USA:
Service without Borders’. Sunday, May 30th, 2010 from 3:45 pm – 5:00
pm at Marriott AB.
Summer Internship Program:
Please send in you application soon, the application deadline is
soon approaching. Application deadline is June 6th, 2010. Insha’Allah
this will be a beneficial endeavor for all those who take part in it.
Helping hand for Relief
and Development will be present at the ICNA Convention 2010 Job Fair. Please
stop by top talk with us regarding this years Summer Internship Program.
Helping Hand for Relief and Development has been conducting emergency relief
operations in Haiti since January with aid ranging from medical clinics to
building shelters for the needy. Our appeal for "In Kind" donations was
immediately responded to by a multitude of donors across the country. Supplies
ranged from drinking water, personal hygiene products, baby essentials,
clothing, canned foods etc. With the first container arriving from Houston,
Texas a few weeks ago that Helping Hand team found itself struggling with custom
and finance officials in Haiti to ensure these donations reached their
destination immediately.
After 17 days of meticulous paper work and governmental procedures access was
granted and the much needed supplies were distributed amongst the Haitian
population. "Its a very difficult process that we are going through for the
clearance of these containers." shares Br. Saqib Attique Helping Hand's Outreach
representative who has been in Haiti since February.
Br. Saqib is early anticipating the arrival of yet another
container from
California as he hopes that the struggle for clearance is unlike his first
experience. Alhumdulillah, the generous donations of our donors are making their
way to the victims of this tragic earthquake. As we slowly make our way to the
half year anniversary of this disaster Helping Hand has found itself gaining
momentum in their work on the ground.
The second phase of shelter homes has begun along with the completion of the
first shelter village mosque. With Ramadan around the corner this is a blessing
for Haitian Muslims. However, help is still needed.
Take a moment to donate to those who have lost everything but their will to move
forward. Let Helping Hand be your eyes and ears for the latest on that aftermath
of Haiti's earthquake.
Reminder: ICNA MAS Convention is this Memorial
Weekend from May 29th -31st 2010 Saturday - Monday in Hartford, Connecticut.
Join the 10,000 Muslim brothers and sisters in the biggest ICNA-MAS event of the
year. Register for ICNA MAS Convention before May 14th, 2010 to
receive 15% discount.
Haiti Shelter
Village work is in progress, most of the foundations of the shelters have been
laid. Many families have moved into the 40 shelters already built. Despite the
weather conditions HHRD team is working hard to provide the shelters on timely
schedule.
This Saturday a
container full of household goods and non-perishable food from Houston was
distributed amongst hundreds of Haitian families who were in need of food,
clothing, comforters and other basic necessities. We would like to thank
everyone who participated in the collection of this container on behalf of the
hundreds of grateful Haitians in need.
The situation
there is still difficult. Most Haitians do not have jobs and we found out that
many families have been going hungry for days at a time. While building
shelters, we’ve also decided to assess the issue of hunger further and start
regular food distributions every week to make sure no family in the area is
sleeping hungry. Please join the efforts to feed these Haitian families.
We request
your generous donations. Please continue to support HHRD efforts in Haiti.
ICNA MAS
Convention will be this Memorial Weekend on May 29th -31st 2010 Saturday -
Monday in Hartford, Connecticut. Join the 10,000 Muslim brothers and sisters in
the biggest ICNA-MAS event of the year. Please don’t forget to register for ICNA
MAS Convention before May 14th, 2010 to receive 15% discount.
Please bring
your family and friends to the Helping Hand for Relief and Development booth at
the ICNA Convention this year from May 29th – May 31st
2010. Register before
May 14th, 2010 11:59 PM EST and qualify for a 15% pre-registration discount.
HAITI SHELTER VILLAGE:
Alhamdulillah 40 Shelters have been built and hundreds of displaced
people from the earthquake have already moved in. Their gratitude is apparent in
the smiling families who can now sleep under a roof peacefully.
The media attention is dying down and many humanitarian
organizations are leaving. The people of Haiti still need our help. They still
need medical attention due to the water borne diseases and thousands are still
without a roof over their heads.
Helping Hand for Relief and Development will be
highlighting its emergency relief efforts at this year's annual "ICNA MAS
Convention" in Hartford, Connecticut. On display will be the many areas of
relief work HHRD is involved in.
This includes, but is not limited, to their Orphan
Sponsorship Program, Women Empowerment Program, Education Program, Livelihood
Project, and Emergency Relief Projects. Their current work in Haiti from within
the days following the massive earthquake will be available for those interested
in seeing how their financial contributions are being distributed.
More importantly, HHRD staff and members from the Youth For
Haiti program will be present for discussions with regards to their time in
Haiti and what help is needed. Do not miss this opportunity, be part of this
noble endeavor by signing up to donate or volunteer with HHRD.
With the first phase of 40 shelters constructed, and the second phase of
completing the next 60, the Haiti Shelter Village project is underway despite
the threats of flooding due to the rainy season that is approaching.
Br. Saqib Attique, HHRD Relief Coordinator, has been in
Haiti for the past two months working closely with the Haitian government to
ensure the necessary supplies are making their way through the ports and to the
shelter village location. He took aside a few minutes to speak with us regarding
the progress of these shelters. Despite the weather and occasional difficulties
in receiving the supply shipment one thing remained quite clear; the citizens of
Haiti are ready and willing to do what they can to bring their country back on
its feet. "Everyone day and night is working on these shelters and they are
really appreciating our help." shared Br. Saqib.
HHRD not only has set out to build 100 permanent shelters, but has also built a
shelter school where over 200 children are currently receiving their education,
as well as a shelter mosque to accommodate the worshipers especially in this
rainy season. The foundations for normalcy are being laid for the survivors of
this tragic earthquake, take part in this cause.
The look in her eyes said it all; it was another night
under the stars. As parents they would have to take turns making sure the noises
in the street or the loud footsteps of those coming down the stairs, of what
remained of the school, would not wake up their children who may be dreaming of
their once warm beds. They tried to cushion the concrete slab their daughters
slept on with whatever material they could find, but nothing comes close to the
comfort of a home.
Scenarios such as this replay night after night in the
streets of Porte au Prince, Haiti. As victims of this earthquake pray for
normalcy, volunteers of Helping Hand for Relief and Development are diligently
working on providing not only much needed medical assistance but also the
security of a home. HHRD has set out on a noble endeavor to create a shelter
community for the thousands of victims who spend their nights on the streets
with the few belongings they have and their most important possession: their
children. Along with building a permanent shelter village they are providing
education to more than 200 children in their shelter school.
Brother Saqib Attique, an HHRD Community Outreach
representative, has been working in Haiti for the past few months. His
communication with the United Nations, the government of Haiti and other NGOs
has allowed HHRD to improve their services onsite. Currently, he is undertaking
the responsibility of the construction of the shelter village. With 15
structures already completed dozens of families have moved in and found the
security they have needed.
Their gratitude towards HHRD is heartfelt as one Haitian
sent a handmade plaque to HHRD representatives a token of his appreciation. The
simplicity of these people and their joy at the smallest of items is
heartwarming and reminds HHRD volunteers to be ever grateful for the ability to
help such people.
HHRD plans to build many shelters and requests that
everyone be part of this noble cause. The cost of a shelter is $900, donating
this amount, or as much as you can, will bring happiness, comfort and a security
to a nation that has lost everything.
The final batch of college students for our Youth for Haiti program are closing
their week off by volunteering in the daily medical clinics and building
permanent shelters. These last few days have been very successful with up to 15
families being housed in these shelters and doctoral staff arriving from the
United States to treat patients. Dr. Asad Mohammad, a volunteer in the Youth for
Haiti program, along with Brother Shahid Hayat, Executive Director of HHRD, took
a moment to share their thoughts with us.
Dr. Asad Mohammad a recent graduate from the Medical School of Long Island and a
current intern in Long Island arrived in Haiti to take part in the Medical
camps. His extensive background in medicine allowed him to provide much needed
care to the earthquake victims, as well as gain a considerable amount of
knowledge with regards to diseases and conditions. “Being able to come to Haiti
and treat patients has given me a whole new spectrum of conditions in the kinds
of patients I would normally not have experienced being in America and seeing
illnesses, issues and diseases which normally aren’t present in western
industrialized countries,” shares Dr. Mohammad.
One of the most important additions to the valuable work that HHRD is doing in
Haiti is buliding educational facilities for the hundreds of children living in
and around the HHRD shelters. These schools are providing essential lessons to
close to 200 children as well teaching Muslim children Arabic.
Brother Shahid Hayat, Execute Director of HHRD, has been in Haiti for a few
months now and provides continuous updates on the field both about the clinics
and shelters. He spoke passionately about the need to provide the children of
Haiti with a means to normalize their lives and the necessity of schools to
serve as a foundation for this change. “Because the schools have been destroyed
and there is no normal educational cycle the children of Haiti are suffering the
most by staying home and doing nothing. We plan on having these schools as a
means for them to end their suffering and to forget about their problems.”
With all the various efforts that HHRD is conducting the citizens of Haiti are
keen to show their gratitude. “Right after the earthquake happened people became
very depressed and disturbed. Now we see them trying to return to their normal
lives and regain their strength to live their life. Alhumdulillah our shelters
are on the side road and whoever passed by comes and shows their happiness and
support.”
Be part of this noble cause, any amount of a donation will facilitate the
process of bringing these victims the ease and comfort we all enjoy in our homes
and with our families. Your cooperation and support are necessary steps towards
ensuring a brighter future for the Haitian people.
For further information about our programs or to listen to these interviews in
their entirety please visit www.muslimsforhaiti.org.
This week the third batch of US college students, who are part of the Youth For Haiti program, are visiting our HHRD Medical Clinics and Shelter locations in Haiti; Auj Mohammadi, Uzair Ali and Owais Nadeem are part of the group who began their volunteer work this week and shared their thoughts with us.
Auj Mohammadi is a senior biology major from the
California Polytechnic State University. She immediately began volunteering at
the medical clinics upon her arrival this Monday and shared her excitement with
regards to the shelter construction which took place today. "We all woke up at
5:30 am we were super excited. So far we've been unloading the trailers, we've
gotten tours of the sight. It was a very organized concerted effort, from the
day that we got here."
Uzair Ali, a graduate student studying bio medical
engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, is also part of the
group of students volunteering their spring break week in Haiti. He shared the
lessons he's learned from the few days he's spent helping the local Haitian
people, "I've seen how happy the local Haitians are even though they don't have
our modern amenities. They are very grateful for what they have and I see that
as an American it just makes me realize how much I have and how much more
grateful I should be."
Owais Nadeem, a recent biology graduate from the University of Michigan and soon to be medical student, sees this opportunity as a tool of communication. Through the eyes of these college students the victims of the earthquake can speak of their loss. "The purpose of this trip is to create awareness that these youth would come here and return to their own communities and raise awareness, and possibly talk to the people about it, raise funds for these causes."
This third rotation of college students in the Youth for Haiti program are now focusing their efforts on building hundreds of permanent shelters to house thousands of people. Be part of this noble endeavor, the cost of one unit is $900 however any amount is acceptable and welcomed. Help give these people back their security, sense of life and normalcy; your donations can bring them one step closer to achieving these.
To listen to the entire list of interviews from our Team in
Haiti, please visit
www.muslimsforhaiti.org
Please donate generously to this cause, there are too many
people waiting for your contributions.
Dr. Danish was someone who was not too closely involved
with HHRD, but came to Haiti to help the people with his dear friend Dr. Ilyas.
In both of their interviews they mentioned that what we saw on the media about
the destruction in Haiti cannot be compared to the ground reality.
“Everyone is living on the streets and will continue to live on the streets for
a very long time,” said Dr. Danish.
Please donate to help build shelters in Haiti.
Dr. Ilyas had a chance to visit the Department of Health
while his stay in Haiti and discovered that there are only 26 local doctors
available to help in Haiti and less the 50 nurses. Their country is in desperate
need for health care.
They saw over 200 patients a day and there were still more
waiting for a chance to receive medical care.
“We need constant contributions from our community. We
should have fixed contributions every month for this cause,” appealed Dr. Danish
during his short interview with us.
To listen to the entire list of interviews from our Team in
Haiti, please visit
www.muslimsforhaiti.org
Please donate generously to this cause, there are too many
people waiting for your contributions.
Two of our communitie’s much respected brothers
were in Haiti for the past few days visiting the
HHRD Haiti Team.
Br. Naeem Baig
Vice President of ICNA and Executive Director of
ICNA Council for Social Justice:
They were visiting the HHRD Haiti Medical Camp
in Masjid Allah o Akbar when we interviewed
them. “It’s been two month since the earth quake
hit and life is still struggling to find its
rhythm,” said Br. Naeem Baig. He talked about
the situation of schools, “There are no schools,
a lot of young people just sitting around street
corners, nothing to do. It shows a frustration
depression on their faces.”
“HHRD donors must be thanked. Allowing HHRD to
carry out these much needed services and HHRD
doctors should be thanked but we also get a
sense that this is going to take long time. This
is not an emergency operation that will end in 2
or 3 months.” He reminded us the importance of
helping our neighbors.They are our neighbors and we should
remember from the teachings of the Prophet (s.a.s.)
as to how important it is to help them.
Please listen to Br. Naeem Baig’s interview.
Shaykh Abdool Rahman Khan
Scholar of Islamic Foundation, Illinois and
Member of ICNA Shura:
They visited the Medical Camps and met with the
Muslim community leaders to assess the situation
in Haiti and lend their support.
“A lot still has to be done here,” said Shykh
Abdool Rahman. He talked about the increasing
need for more Muslims organizations to get
involved.
He also had a chance to meet some of the Youth
that are there for the Youth for Haiti program.
“It’s a very humbling experience to come he...
Life is so tough... And they say they enjoy it
and they are willing to come back.” Shaykh
Abdool Rahman also had a message for the Youth.
Please listen to the Message for the Youth.
HHRD is set to build shelters for the displaced
after the earthquake in Haiti. Please continue
to support our neighbors in Haiti generously,
they need our continuous support.
Helping Hand
for Relief and Development is running 6 regular rotational
clinics and treating 2000 patients a week.
These clinics are equipped with basic diagnostic equipment.
Free vaccines are being provided to patients, especially
children.
Youth for Haiti Program: Alhamdulillah our first batch of
Youth have arrived in
Haiti. They have been
assisting with HHRD Medical Camps alongside medical
professionals. It is a great opportunity for our Youth to
have an eye opening experience. This trip will, insha’Allah,
shape their perspective on volunteerism, community and hone
leadership abilities.
The Youth
will spend 1 week in
Haiti. 4 batches are
scheduled to go. We received and overwhelming response from
all over the
United States
and have finalized our selection.
Please listen to an interview from one of the youth from our first batch:
Mohammad Ahmed’s experience.
There is still a lot of work needed to
be done in Haiti. Please
donate generously.
Thank you for your continuous support.
- HHRD Team
Assalaam Alikum
Helping Hand for Relief and Development has started two new initiatives to help
rebuild Haiti:
Haiti Shelter Village:We have launched a campaign to get sponsorships for shelters. HHRD aims to
re-build Haiti by building hundreds of shelters using an innovative but very simple
design; giving permanent homes to the thousands who have turned homeless after the
earthquake. These shelters are being made by volunteers under the supervision of
experienced experts in this field. Please donate generously for this very important
initiative of HHRD.
- The cost to help build one shelter is $900. Please visit
www.hhrd.org to donate.
Youth For Haiti: Spend your spring break
helping Haiti.
- We would like to invite college students, 18 years of age and older, to sign up
for this program.
- Youth will volunteer to build shelters during their spring break or help with
the ongoing Medical clinics alongside supervised professionals.
- $500 will cover the cost of airfare, food, lodging and transportation in Haiti.
- Students will be supervised by mentors.
- Youth for Haiti will be for one week for each participant. There will be 3 rotations:
Weeks of 3/8, 3/15 and 3/22 of 2010
Helping Hand for Relief & Development (HHRD) Team visits Leo-Gane (Leogane),
which is 30 km from Port Au Prince. Leogane is located very close to the epicenter
of the Jan 12th, 2010 earthquake and suffered great damages (up to 90
% of the town has been reported to be damaged). Ministry of Health, Haiti has identified
Leogane as one of the priority areas for medical assistance and WASH (Water, Sanitation
and Hygiene): Other priority areas are Carrefour, Grand Goave, Petit Goave, and
Jacmel.
HHRD Team met with the local Leogane community to establish a shelter village in
the area for 100 families. This will benefit about 1,000 people, who are homeless
after the earthquake. The Local community and HHRD agreed to build these shelters
as soon as possible. We are in process to coordinate with the local Government and
UN authorities to facilitate the basic infrastructure like electricity, water and
sanitation. Br. Saqib Ateeq (NJ) and Dr. Mubashir Saeed (Chicago, IL) join the HHRD
Team in Haiti today.
Sunday Feb 14, 2010 - Vaccinations
HHRD Team arranged Td vaccination at two locations: One at Masjid Toaheed and second
one close to the security office of Br. Yousuf, who is a local Muslim community
leader. In these two locations, HHRD Team vaccinated more than three hundred women,
children, and men. Dr. Mubashir Saeed of Chicago, IL; Dr. Mohammad Panday of Kansas
City, MO; and the rest of the HHRD team spent the entire day in these locations,
advising local communities about prevention from various diseases as a result of
an earthquake. A Team of Doctors from Bangladesh visits HHRD camp and appreciates
these services. They promise to join our mobile health clinic in different areas
from the next day (Monday).
Monday Feb 15, 2010 - Mobil Clinic in Masjid Allah-u-Akbar
Today is our regular day for the mobile health clinic and it is scheduled at Masjid
Allah-u-Akbar. This Masjid is still standing, despite being surrounded by flattened
buildings. Allah SWT saved this Masjid making this view is quite touching.
We leave our base camp in two vehicles with medicines and volunteers. Today is another
hectic day. We are well-staffed with six doctors and two paramedical staff to serve
about 200 women, children, and men. Three doctors and one paramedical are from Bangladesh,
including Dr. Mamoon, Dr. Chowdhary, Dr. Shahid Ul Islam and Raza Ul Karim (Paramedical
Staff). Also we have Dr. Mohammad Panday (Kansas, MO), Dr. Mubashir Saeed (Chicago,
IL) and Dr. Daniel (Port Au Prince, Haiti), plus we have one more Paramedical Staff
from Port Au Prince.
HHRD team serves more than 200 patients from morning till evening. Our medical camp
is much appreciated by the community. Even before our arrival, with the knowledge
of our team coming, the local community made basic arrangements and are were very
supportive in further helping us to arrange and set up the clinics, bringing the
chairs-&-tables and covering the whole area with sheets to protect us and the
medication we brought from the suns heat.
Earlier, Br. Saqib (NJ) left us to coordinate with UNO about medications,
and up until now, with the Grace of Allah SWT, the HHRD Team has been purchasing
all the medications (mostly from USA and some from Dominican Republic), sending
them through US volunteer doctors going to Haiti. HHRD Team has been utilizing hundreds
of dollars worth of these medicines every day. Br. Saqib has meetings with various
officials to find out how we can coordinate with different agencies, who are working
in the area. He discovers that we can get some medicines at a low cost; but that
needs permission from Haiti Government officials. Also he is able to coordinate
with UNICEF for some other medicines: However that needs more paper work before
we can start to receive those medicines from UNICEF.
Tuesday Feb 16, 2010 - Health Clinic in Nazon
Today we are leaving our base camp at 9am as we are scheduled to set-up our mobile
health clinic in the Nazon, which is another affected area (70% of the houses are
destroyed, making people homeless and living on the streets). Today we have four
doctors, two paramedical staff, and six community volunteers.
The Community is very happy to see us as we arrived after our last visit there some
seven days ago. We serve their health needs with proper medicines. Dr. Mamoon and
Dr. Shahid Ul Islam from Bangladesh; Dr. Mohammad Panday from Kansas, MO; Dr. Mubashir
Saeed from Chicago, IL and Dr. Daniel from Port Au Prince, Haiti are serving, along
with Raza Ul Karim (Bangladeshi Paramedical Staff and one Haitian Paramedical Staff.
The local community is very supportive, even at times it is hard to set up clinics
on the streets due to difficulty in controlling the crowd. But Alhamdulillah local
brothers help us to control the crowd and set up the clinics. They remain with us
until we are done and ready to get back to our base camp. Today we have served more
than 150 people in this area and gave them about $1,000 worth of medicines.
On the other hand, Br. Saqib (NJ) visits Haiti Government Office to get the permission
for the medicines and Alhamdulillah he is able to get the permission after waiting
for more than two hours. We will get medicines for low price after this permission
InshaAllah.
We had earlier plans to visit Leo-Gane (Leogane), where we have to set up our shelter
village and meet with local community: However it is too late now and our local
representative advises us that we should not go there late evening because of rough
roads and other security issues. InshaAllah we will try to close our clinic early
and then visit Leogane tomorrow, so as to discuss with the local community the mechanism
and plans for establishing the shelter village.
Please visit the www.muslimsforhaiti.org to listen to the update interview
from Shahid Hayat and Br. Yousuf, Local Haitian Volunteer helping in the Medical
Clinic.
-HHRD Team
Update: February 12th, 2010 – Haiti a Month Later
Assalaamu Alykum,
Today marks the day when one month ago Haiti was hit with a devastating 7.0 magnitude
earthquake. Their lives changed within a matter of minutes. Homes were shattered,
buildings were flattened and many people lost their loved ones.
Food and water is slowly getting to Haitians now, but an increasing number of medical
problems like post trauma, limbs and respiratory infections, gastroenteritis, abdominal
pain, pneumonia, and 60% of people are complaining of flu like symptoms and throat
infections. Millions are living in unsanitary conditions, cultivating more infections
by the day.
HHRD’s contribution toward Haiti Relief:
Immediate Emergency Response: HHRD Team left for Haiti immediately after
the earthquake on January 16th, 2010.
Food Distribution: There have been consistent distributions since HHRD Team
got there; of food packages and basic necessity items that include: food, drinking
water, baby milk, powder milk, rice, juice boxes and tents.
Updated February
12th, 2010
HHRD Medical Clinics:HHRD is currently operating six rotational clinics,
treating more than 2,000 people every week.Volunteers and HHRD Medical Team had
been initially staying on the border of Haiti in Santa Domingo due to safety issues.
They travelled into Haiti, making a 7 hour trip every day and returning by night,
due obstructed roads. Despite the security issue within Haiti, HHRD Team was successful
in setting up a Medical Clinic in Port-au-Price and several Mobil Clinics.
HHRD Medical Professionals: There have been a team of doctors that have made
trips to Haiti to serve in the Haiti HHRD Medical Clinic. A female doctor is available
to tend to women’s health issues.
Haitian Muslim Community: HHRD sets up Mobil Clinics at 5 Masajids in Haiti
and is working closely with the Haitian Muslim Community to analyze what needed
most.
5 Hour Live Worldwide Telethon: Helping Hand for Relief and Development held
a LIVE Telethon for Haiti earthquake victims in partnership with ARY Digital on
Saturday January 30th, 2010 from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. The LIVE Telethon aired worldwide
in US, Europe, Canada, Middle East and Pakistan.
In-Kind Donations: Helping Hand for Relief and Development is actively, collecting
In-Kind donations for Haiti earthquake victims in collection center all over USA.
Appeal: HHRD has launched a $1.5 Million Appeal for the 3 million people
in Haiti earthquake.
HHRD wants to continue this effort. Please donate generously towards the Medical
Treatment of Haitians.
-HHRD Team
Update February 10, 2010: Ongoing Medical Efforts
Assalaamu Alykum,
A remarkable number of people died and were injured during the earthquake in Haiti.
Alhamdulillah, aid is getting to Haitians in form of food and drinking water, but
they are receiving limited medical help.
Many have minor injuries but will turn into life threatening ailments if left untreated.
Helping Hand for Relief and Development has aggressively been working on the Medical
Assistance Program. HHRD Team has been visiting remote areas within Haiti; they
setup a Mobil clinic in different areas every day, to give access to health care
to as many affected Haitians as possible.
On Friday afternoon he left from Detroit to Santa Domingo, drove eight hours and
arrived in Haiti Port au-Prince on Saturday night. Before he got there Br. Irfan
Khurshid and Dr. Anees had set up and running mobile clinics. After the earthquake
there have been many diseases and infections affecting Haitians and many are depressed.
Every day HHRD Team goes out and sets up medical camp, they have now set up permanent
schedules, so people would know when they are coming and can visit them from their
camps. Br. Shahid made an appeal from all donors to donate money for medicines so
we could continue the clinics.
Dr. Marie Danielle – First Female HHRD Medical Camp Doctor:
She is a local Haitian doctor. Her help was much needed as many female patients
needed her attention. She told us that Haiti still requires a lot of medical help;
doctors and medications are still needed because the situation for Haitians is continuing
to be difficult.
David Wilkerson – Pharmacist - A Plus Pharmacy:
Dr. Anees contacted him right before leaving to Haiti with HHRD. He wanted to take
medicines with him. He sent with Dr. Anees all the medicines that were requested
and donated items that him and his wife thought would be of necessity. They sent
over the counter household medication, antiseptics, soaps, tents, cots, things that
are very valuable when you don’t have them. Mr. Wilkerson explained told us that
Dr. Anees just came back and said that he didn’t realize how poor these people were.
Dr. Anees was also a volunteer during the earthquake relief effort in Pakistan,
but he explains Haiti as a different level of disaster. We would like to thank him
on behalf of HHRD team.
Dr. Irfan Khan: President of Islamic Center of Santa Domingo:
Studied medicine in Santa Domingo and has been living there for years. His Islamic
Center has been vital in allowing HHRD to operate in an organized manner to carry
out relief efforts in Haiti. Dr. Irfan Khan told us that,” Helping Hand has
done a lot from the beginning until now. Hope this will continue.” InshaAllah with
the help of generous donation we can provide treatment for the very distressed in
Haiti. He left us with this note, “Br. Irfan [Khurshid, Director of International
Programs HHRD] work was more impressionable that any one who came here.”
Also, please listen to updates from Br. Irfan Khurshid and Dr. Idrees on our main
Haiti website: www.muslimsforhaiti.org.
Thank you for your continuous support.
- HHRD Team
Haiti Update February 5, 2010
Assalaamu Alykum,
The phone connections are poor in most places in Haiti. The schedule is grueling
for the HHRD Team, even then Br. Irfan Khurshid: Director: International Projects;
was able to give us a few minutes to update us on the situation in Haiti.
Alhamdulillah, HHRD doctors have been setting up clinics every day in different
locations in Haiti. They start seeing patients in the morning and return by 5 pm,
to their base medical clinic in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Though, we are able to collaborate with UN now for treatment and medication, there
is still immense need for more doctors and medicines.
Most of the agencies, including UN, are working in so called "safe" compounds
where most vulnerable population has no or very little reach. HHRD’s field team,
with arrangements of their own security personnel, is reaching out to sick and poor
of Haiti where treatment is inaccessible.
HHRD’s field team is under the leadership of Dr. Muhammad Anees and Br. Irfan Khurshid.
They treat hundreds of patients a day. And hundreds are left untreated due to shortage
of doctors and medication. Please help spread the word and convince Muslim professionals
to come out and help us help the helpless.
Dr. Anees Mohammad from Florida, is volunteering his time to help the people of
the disaster hit Haiti. The HHRD Medical Camp has been in operation. We’ve established
small clinics in more masajids now.
“The biggest problem right now if of water and sewerage.”
The most common problem in many Haitians is post trauma; infections of limbs, cellulitis
and abscess. Kids and women have gastroenteritis, abdominal pain, pneumonia, and
60% of people are complaining of flu like symptoms and throat infections.
There aren’t resources available but many young girls have been found clinically
pregnant. Young women have STDs, very common amongst teenagers.
During the update he lists a long list of antibiotics and medications that are needed
most; anti anxiety medication, hydro-cortisone cream, medication for bronchitis,
pneumonia, and infections are a few.
Dr. Anees says, “We need more doctors here. They can stay here at least one week.
We’ve established the clinic. But we need more doctors. Today we have one doctor…
Yesterday we had four doctors. Insha’Allah within few days we will have more doctors.
We also need volunteer workers.” Midwife and nurses are also need at this time.
“Situation is just like Pakistan, like the earthquake in Muzaffarabad. The people
are very poor.” Many old women have gone to the clinic; they have sleep depravation
and have anxiety.
Br. Irfan Khurshid’s Update:
“We’ve started getting doctors; we have many more medical camps now”. We have treated
many patients in Port-au-Prince. Still everything is needed, especially food and
drinking water. Many agencies are providing that now alhamdulillah. But our focus
is on medical assistance. We are concentrating on setting up medical clinics, delivering
medications and treating patients.
Please donate to the most needed HHRD medical clinics for the people of Haiti. They
are in need of continous support.
Helping Hand for Relief and Development’s Medical Base Camp is up and running in
Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Medical doctors and nurses treated 500 patients yesterday.
Another team of medical doctors is arriving this Friday, to treat the severely injured
and sick.
Please remember that the crisis they are facing is unimaginable. The stories that
are being shared and the images that you see on the news channel do not do justice
to the overwhelming chaos that the victims of the earthquake are experiencing. The
streets reek of blood and death, the screams and cries of parents who have lost
their children and children who have lost their parents is deafening. People having
been living in open ground since the day the earthquake hit, many are injured, there
are a lot of pregnant women, the babies are sick. And all of them without food or
drinking water. As you know by now, there are 3 million people affected, with over
200,000 dead. The victims of this earthquake are going through an emotional torture
on a daily basis.
The work there has just begun; they still have a shortage of shelter, food and drinking
water. Please visit our website to donate:
www.hhrd.org. Or you can call 1-888-808-4357(HELP).
Stay Tuned......LIVE 5 hour 'Muslims For Haiti'
Telethon on ARY Digital, that will air worldwide; USA, Canada, Middle East, UK,
and Pakistan on Saturday January 30th, 2010 12:00 pm EST.
Br. Abdul-Karim Martin was with Br. Irfan (HHRD
Director of International Projects) today. He is a survivor of the earthquake in
Haiti. Please listen to his heartbreaking appeal.
The earthquake hit about 3:30 pm when he was in house.
“And all of sudden the house started shaking. Lost control. The floor cracked and
my jeeps two back tires went down. I started saying La ila ha il-Allah.” He took
him self and his daughter to safety. “It was unreal. It took not more than two minutes.
When he looked at the houses, it was simply bricks and there were people under the
bricks and you couldn’t see who was screaming. Until now, the day that im talking
to you (talking to HHRD Team) they still haven’t recovered all of the human beings.
For about seven days me and my daughter slept out on the floor. I must tell you,
the capital of Haiti is finished, completely destroyed. With all the dead bodies,
they have no choice but to put gas on them and burn them. There is no water, everyone
is waiting for a bag of water.” “Right now people are sleeping on the streets with
their babies. They don’t have no clothes, they don’t know have home, they don’t
have nothing. Sick babies everywhere, sister that’s all I can tell you. The history
is large, its hard to explain to you. If you watch the news you can see.”
Br. Abdul Karim related what really went on and is happening at the moment.
Br. Irfan of HHRD updated us today:
“Everything is needed; doctors and medicines. Although we have more doctors here
now than when we talked last time. The relief efforts are getting more organized.
Its still in emergency mode. They are trying to get dead bodies out.
Alhamdulillah we have setup our medical base clinic here.
We are brining some more relief items. Every area has different needs so we are
trying to meet those. The weather is not enough. Our focus will be on medical relief.
In between some people are asking for food, water, and tents.”
The main focus of HHRD to provide medical help, but at the same time we will provide
with the needs of food, water and tents.
Please visit our website for the complete appeal
of Br. Abdul-Karim Martin and Br. Irfan Khurshid: HHRD Director of International
Projects update. www.hhrd.org
They are desperate for our help. Please donate generously.
- HHRD Team
Update Jan 23rd, 2010: HHRD's Haiti Relief Efforts
Assalaam u Alykum:
Update from Haiti by Br. Irfan Khurshid, Director HHRD: International Projects.
He also allowed us to talk with Imam Abdul Ali, who is the Imam of Masjid At-Tawhid
in Haiti. And he was there when the earthquake hit.
How it was to be in the earthquake: Imam recalls what it was like
during the earthquake, “When it happened I was with my wife, and everything was
shaking…we ran towards the door to get out and my wife fell. She’s eight months
pregnant. Thank God she’s fine.”
The first night they spent the night outside and the next day they decided to sleep
in the masjid.
After the earthquake: Imam relates that, people had been taken
by panic. They didn’t know when it was going to stop. They wanted to go back home,
but the foundations of their homes had been fractured. When they realized they were
missing family member, they rushed back to their homes. After a few hours they realized
what had really happened, the houses around them had been flattened by the quake.
“Everybody was missing somebody.”
Items most needed: Immediate need is of three things Imam explained,
“Cover (shelter), medication and food/water.” Br. Irfan wants to let the donors
know, “You name it, and everything is needed here.” Food and drinking water is first
priority. It takes about $10,000 to $12,000 to fill one truck of needed items of
food, drinking water, baby milk, diapers, clothing, medication, sanitary items for
women and so on. They have lost everything. Therefore they are in need of everything.
Security Issue within Haiti: “Most organizations are fearful of
their safety” Irfan Khurshid. He told HHRD that when a truck or convoy enters the
city limits of Haiti, people attack it, due to the lack of food and water. Safety
is an issue at the moment. “Relief agencies are getting in, but distribution is
slow. You have no control over it,” said Irfan Khurshid.
Situation of Haitians now: “Situation is chaotic, there’s no law
and order,” described Irfan Khurshid. People are living in open grounds and using
sheets as shelter. There are still tremors and after shocks that have the people
of Haiti traumatized.
Orphans: “Many people have died and donors should support the Haiti
Orphans,” urges Br. Irfan, talking about the after math. “The big issue is; where
these children are going to live.”
HHRD Clinic: Br. Irfan is in collaboration with the local doctors
and volunteers in setting up a clinic. In all the camps that he had visited, he
didn’t see a single medical facility that was treating the people. There isn’t much
medical help and only a few have access to it.
For the whole interview please visit our website at: www.hhrd.org
-HHRD Team
Update Jan 20th, 2010: HHRD's Haiti Relief Efforts
1. After a long journey through Cuba, Panama and Dominican Republic, Br. Irfan Khurshid,
International Programs: Director, is in Haiti, coordinating the relief efforts on
ground, Alhamdolillah.
-HHRD Team
Update Jan 20th, 2010: HHRD's Haiti Relief Effortsty and transportation.
3. Temporary infrastructure is being put together on the border of Dominican Republic
and Haiti so that Medical teams can work in the field for longer period of time.
Alhamdolillah, volunteer doctors from Dominican Republic, Pakistan, India, Indonesia,
Canada and USA are being sponsored by HHRD. Br. Ilyas Choudry is leading this effort.
Please pass on this information to your local medical contacts. His contact number
is (832) 275-0786.
4. Our prompt response to this major crisis is helping countless brothers and sisters
in the field. We will be conducting tele-conference calls with Br. Irfan Khurshid
in coming days. Please let us know if any one in your area is interested.
5. More than 3 million people will need our help for at least 3 to 6 months. Please
ask every one to contribute to HHRD's $1.5 Million Appeal as much as possible.
Update Jan 18th, 2010: HHRD's Haiti Relief Efforts
1. HH's representatives were able to carry out first food distribution today
in Haiti among the victims of catastrophic earthquake.
2. Medical teams from USA, Canada, Pakistan and Indonesia are on their way to Haiti.
They are being sponsored by Helping Hand.
3. The causality figures might grow more than 200, 000. So more help is needed for
the victims.
4. Reminder about In-Kind donation. Centers list is on HH's website
5. Mention HH's $1.5 Million appeal and reminder about cash donation using our
online system at www.hhrd.org
Update Jan 16th, 2010: HHRD's Haiti Relief Efforts
$1.5 Million Appeal has been launched for the 3 million people that have been affected
in western hemisphere’s poorest nation.
The 7.0 magnitude earthquake has hit the densely populated areas and therefore the
damage is severe. Main buildings, homes and even hospitals have been flattened by
the quake. Dead bodies are piled on the side walk and there are too many trapped
under the rubble that still need assistance.
HHRD has deployed an emergency response team to setup a Medical Base camp in Haiti.
Medical teams and doctors from HHRD will be there to assist the injured who are
being continuously being pulled out from the after math of the earthquake.
Please help by donating in this most needed hour. Immediate response it critical.
People have been sleeping on the streets since the earthquake hit. They are out
of their homes, hungry, without shelter and in desperate need of basic necessities.
HHRD will be sending containers to Haiti, for the millions that have been displaced
from their homes. Please donate basic necessity items to your nearest
HHRD locations:
NOTE: We cannot accept appliances and food
HH Inkind Donations Centers
California:
Islamic Center of Inland Empire
9212 Baseline Rd.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701
P: 909-944-1836
Ashar Shah: (909) 297-8856
Florida:
AbdulRauf Khan: (312) 216-7937 Illinois: Helping Hand USA Office
905 South Miller Street, Unit #3
Chicago, IL 60607
Mushtaq Saleemi: (773) 226-3368
Virgina: ICNA Islamic Center
2913 Woodlawn Tr.
Alexandria, VA. 22306
P: (703) 660 1255
Michigan:
Helping Hand USA Office
12541 McDougall Street,
Detroit, MI 48212
P: (313) 279-5378
Shahid Hayat: (347) 400-1899
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