DISASTER RELIEF
As people rush to help Haiti,
we need to be aware of five common myths of humanitarian aid. In the wake of the
Haiti earthquake, as concerned Baptists, our first instinct is rush to save
lives and send volunteer teams to Haiti to help with relief. Our effort can
only be helpful to Haiti if we understand some of the issues related to disaster
relief. Here are five myths about
disaster relief. 1. Collecting blankets, shoes
and clothing is a cost-effective way to help. The
cost of shipping these items from around the country—let alone the time it
takes to sort, pack and ship them—is prohibitive and entails much higher cost
than the value of the goods themselves. In addition, supplies sent must meet
international standards for humanitarian relief and are packaged to be ready to
deploy as soon as a crisis strikes. Cash donations are the best, most
cost-efficient way to help aid groups deliver these life-saving supplies
quickly, purchase supplies close to the disaster zone when possible and
replenish their stocks in preparation for future disasters. 2. If I send cash, my help
won’t get there. The
Lexington Baptist Association and our Southern Baptist disaster relief agencies
(NAMB, BGR, SCBC) send 100 % of the donation to be used in direct relief. Other
reputable relief organization should spend at least 80% of the funds collected
for direct relief. Donors have a right and a responsibility to ask aid groups
how they will be using those donations, and what will be done with donations
raised in excess of the need. Transparent and effective organizations will
readily provide that information. 3. Volunteers are desperately
needed in emergency situations. While
hands-on service may feel like a better way to help in a crisis, disaster
response is a highly technical and sensitive effort. Only professionals or
volunteers with specialized skills and overseas disaster experience should be
deployed to disaster sites. Volunteers without those skills can do more harm
than good, and siphon off critical logistics and translation services.
Qualified disaster professionals ensure that help is delivered effectively,
safely and efficiently. However, Southern Baptist is committed to the long-term
rebuilding of Haiti, much like our effort in New Orleans after Hurricane
Katrina. A large number of volunteers will be needed to rebuild Haiti in years
to come. We pray that Southern Baptist believers will lead many Haitians to
Christ and to disciple them in the faith as we send numerous volunteer teams to
rebuild Haiti. 4. Unaccompanied children
should be adopted as quickly as possible to get them out of dangerous
conditions. Hearing
about the specific needs of children often sparks a desire to adopt children
who seem to have lost their families. However, early in a crisis, children need
to be protected, but should remain in their home countries until authorities
can confirm the locations of their family members and explore adoption
possibilities within their own communities and cultures. International adoption
may be the best solution for some children, but it is too early to know for
sure in the first weeks of a crisis. If the US government chooses to bring
injured victims and their families to cities like Columbia, SC for treatment,
Lexington Baptist will have the opportunity for direct ministry with the
Haitian victims. 5. People are helpless in the
face of natural disasters. Even in
the poorest countries like Haiti, people often reveal a great deal of inner
strength and often show resourcefulness that can save lives. While support and
aid are necessary, the Haitian people are by no means helpless.