- ATD Fourth World

The rhythm of grief of an entire nation

"We are treading a thin line between darkness and light," says Jacqueline Plaisir, full-time volunteer. "All around us, everyone has their own family worries. We must respect this time, respect what each person is carrying in their heart while not being able to say certain things… There are things we’ve seen that remain fixed in our minds, some touching moments, some terrible moments. Among the small grassroots organizations that are working, as we are, with the most isolated populations, these Haitians are themselves grieving. We still don’t know whether the leaders of these organizations have been able to take time for themselves personally. Government officials also had family members who have been very much affected. Perhaps now it will be possible to make a link between those who have come from elsewhere to help and the Haitians. Yet even in mourning for their loved ones, the Haitians have not been absent at all." How can international solidarity be efficient—so necessary for lives to be saved—but also be in step with the rhythm of grief of an entire nation where each survivor is still waiting for news of someone, or is grieving for the loved one who couldn’t be given a decent burial?

The reality is changing daily

"In these past few days, little by little, we’ve felt less overwhelmed and more useful," says David Lockwood, full-time volunteer. A Cuban organization has set up a health station nearby. It is a very important aid. At another clinic, the team was able to get some medicine. They also obtained oil, which they distributed to families they know in small bottles. "But," continues David, "the price of bread has quadrupled, the cost of transportation has doubled, and petrol costs nearly five times more than before. Only vegetables and fruit remain at almost the same prices. A friend helped us out with his car. A neighbor charged our cellphone with his generator." Our team is spending a great deal of energy in welcoming families and visiting those from whom they have no news.

Pitching in to organize shelter

Many people are breaking the sheet metal of their collapsed homes to go in and get their belongings. It’s extremely dangerous because the home could collapse entirely, but since they have nothing, they have no choice. Nerline Laguerre, full-time volunteer, says, "I visit people who remain in the zones that are still dangerous. The ground is slippery everywhere. Houses are still partially standing. Even when people are advised to leave, they do not want to desert their surroundings. They stay put, with the wounded, and even with the dead. They have their reasons, which we do not always understand. But if we did not visit them, no one else would." In the districts where we know families, the authorities are beginning to give out 20-person tents. But in such a complex situation, it is not simple for the neighborhood to organize itself. Will several families agree to share each tent? Will those faced with the greatest difficulties get priority? Will those who help to organize become overwhelmed and be the last to benefit from this aid?

We feel that something is missing, every time the media announces a new figure of people saved by rescue teams, without adding that we will never know how many others have been saved by their neighbours.

"We’re still here," says St Jean Lhérissant, full-time volunteer. "But people’s resilience is weakening because the few provisions people had are diminishing. We do not know how life will begin again, but it is solidarity that is guiding our country."

Links with members of ATD Fourth World internationally

Jacqueline says, "When we speak with you on the phone, the families are all around us. They don’t necessarily want to speak individually, but knowing that this bridge exists between us does us all good. It’s good that this communication is widened toward the world."

Since last week, friends and members of the movement have been working in the Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe and other areas of the world, so that we can send materials to the team. The team received the first package, which also included messages from friends of the Movement from across the world, last Friday. More material is to be sent.

We are also preparing for Eugen Brand, General Director of ATD Fourth World to visit Haiti, and other full-time volunteers will go to Haiti to reinforce the team in Port-au-Prince in the next few months.