ELLINWOOD — Star of Hope International, America Inc. has staff in Haiti evaluating the damage and devastation from Hurricane Matthew, which struck with winds up to 150 miles per hour on Oct. 4.
“The storm has caused misery among the poorest people of the western hemisphere,” said Mark Presson, CEO of Star of Hope. “We are still learning the extent of the damage several days on, it takes so long to get back information on the extent of the damage, many places have yet to be reached.”

There are many needs for short-term assistance such as food, water, medical needs and hygienic kits. Star of Hope International has been a well known organization in Haiti for over 30 years.

“Matthew swiped out the south peninsula leaving over 900 dead and millions of people without homes. It took: their metal roofs, walls, doors, windows, clothes, books, beds, plantations and trees blended all with a fury of very strong wind and heavy rain into a mass of debris everywhere,” Myrtha Dor, Country Director of SOH said. “Despair and depression have found the Haitian people now living like zombies with no home, nothing to sleep on, no food, no drinking water, no clothes, nothing...”

“After six years of rebuilding our projects, after the 2010 7.0 earthquake, this is a devastating blow to the people and the work. I am very concerned about food shortages and starvation,” said Maria Eriksson, SOH.

Star of Hope International, America Inc has committed to the children’s well being in the next few years. Donations may be made via their web site at www.starofhope.us or by texting “matthew” to 71777.

Star of Hope International, America, Inc is a 501(c)(3) organization located in Ellinwood, Kansas. They support over 160 projects in some 14 countries around the world.
Information is available from their web site at www.starofhope.us, via e-mail usa@starofhope.us or by calling Mark Presson at (620) 564-3355.