They Can’t Afford Haiti Fatigue. So They Rally As Another Disaster Hits Their Island

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Haitians receive umbrellas as part of humanitarian aid after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Aug. 14.

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Firefighters remove debris while searching for survivors.

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In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Grace, a woman works on a shelter at an improvised camp at Parc Lande de Gabion stadium.

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Residents carry an injured person through the streets in Les Cayes, Haiti, on Aug. 16.

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Residents carry an injured person through the streets in Les Cayes, Haiti, on Aug. 16.

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To them, it’s a time to mobilize

According to Bastien, who grew up in Haiti, the country is still recovering from the 2010 earthquake, the cholera epidemic and Hurricane Matthew.

Now it needs assistance from beyond its borders again.

«There is definitely Haiti fatigue. And I can see that. I can feel that, she noted.

But Bastien said seeing images on the news of Haitians helping each other in the hours and days after the earthquake, digging through broken concrete to pull out a loved one or a complete stranger, has inspired her.

«You say, ‘You know what, who am I now to just give up and crumble to hopelessness? Who am I to do that?’ Look at what they’re going through. They don’t have access to food. They don’t have access to potable water. They don’t have access to the bare minimum. And yet, she said.

Saint-Louis echoed that sentiment, urging people not to discount the nation of 11 million people.

«There’s a lot of failed institutions, but Haiti is still Haiti. It’s a beautiful country with beautiful people with beautiful souls who want to do so much, she said.

«It’s not the time to give up on the country. It’s the time to really rally behind the country and support Haitians, support Haiti, and bring the country out of the rut that it is in.

Here’s how you can support relief efforts in Haiti.