Jose Morelos

As we get ready to travel to the Dominican Republic (DR) we continue to adjust our plans to the changing conditions on the ground.

Our contacts in the DR tell us that Elias Piñas is crowded with many volunteers wanting to help, but who do not know the language, the culture or are without needed skills. They arrive wanting to drive trucks, to cook or move rubble created by the earthquake. This is something that is not needed or is done by experienced volunteers. We do not want to contribute to this growing problem. Our plan is still to travel to Elias Piña, but we may shift to Jimani.  Unless something changes we plan to purchase supplies in Sto. Domingo and drive it to Elias Piña or Jimani. We are told that crutches for adults and children are becoming a priority.

We are not surprised also to start hearing of scammers disguised as ministries and stealing supplies. This is another reason for our fact-finding mission to identify the needs and to work with trusted partners to channel any future support. We intend to do proper diligence in order to channel the generosity of our congregation through the right channels.