HATT: Haitian American Tree Trust

 

The Earthquake that changed EVERYTHING

On January 12, 2010, the world’s most devastating earthquake had a catastrophic effect on the lives of the Haitian people.  In 37 seconds, this world record breaking earthquake killed nearly 300,000 human beings; families were shattered, crops were lost and livestock either scattered or perished.

 

Then, on October 22, 2010, cholera rapidly spread through the refugee camps creating panic and a sense of utmost despair.  Soon this epidemic crept into the nation’s capital  Port-au-Prince,  further crippling and killing thousands.  Not withstanding the effect of the devastating earthquake and the cholera epidemic, on November 5, 2010 Hurricane “Tomas” struck Haiti hard destroying most of the remaining vegetation throughout vast regions of the country.  All of these events, befalling one of the poorest countries on the globe, resulted in a chronic shortage of replenishable food sources and one of the staples of the Haitian diet, tropical fruits.  Thus, the Haitian American Tree Trust, HATT was established to help replenish lost vegetation.  HATT’s goal is to plant 300,000 fruit trees in Haiti.  In order to start the process, 10 species of fruit trees are needed immediately.

 

We need your help to reforest Haiti and create food resources for the people. These fruit trees will not only help reforest the country but will also empower the people to help themselves in many ways. This charitable act will affirm hope and faith in the Haitian people. It will produce fruit for consumption, increase the Haitian people’s faith and give them a sense of hope, stability and responsibility for their family, community and country. The trees will be planted in 9 regions throughout the country, in people’s yards for nurturing and tendering. Moreover, the Haitian people will be instructed and educated on the importance of the reforestation of Haiti for long term growth.