Update on Haiti

St. Joseph’s is comprised of three homes and one school.  They are located in three cities in Haiti.

St. Joseph’s Family home is located in Petionville, which was the epicenter of the earthquake.  It was home to 20 orphans and the founder, Michael Geilenfeld. That home was totally destroyed.

“Wings of Hope” is the home for 40 special needs children, located about 15 miles from Port-au-Prince. That home has suffered severe structural damage, however, all the children and staff from both St. Joe’s and “Wings” are now living in two small, street level rooms at the front of that building.

Trinity House and Trinity School are located in Jacmel, about two hours south of Port-au- Prince, and they are cut off from all outside supply lines as the mountain roads between Port-au-Prince and Jacmel are not passable.

Causalities: Bill Nathan, the drummer who visited Cabrini last September, was on the sixth floor of St. Joseph’s and had to jump onto a neighboring roof.  We are thankful that he had the presence of mind to do that.  It probably saved his life.  After two days, they were able to get him medical aid, and it was determined that Bill has several broken ribs.    Ti Patrick suffered deep cuts and scratches.

The aftershocks continue, and they are very unnerving.   The lines of communication began to open up on Thursday. Several Americans from the U.S. operation of St. Joe’s traveled to Haiti on Friday with much needed supplies.

St. Joe’s is in need of cash donations for food, water, and generators.  They have the clothes, blankets, and pillows from the recent container to keep them warm in the cool mountain air.  Michael said they will need a lot of cash to survive this time and to rebuild.  It will take years. But with God, all things are possible, and the Lord will provide.

One Hundred 100% of your donation will reach St. Joseph’s directly. If you would like to contribute to St. Joseph Family please make your checks payable to:

St. Frances Cabrini (SFC) Haiti Ministry

Mail to:

St. Frances Cabrini

1025 S. 7th Ave.

West Bend, WI 53095.

If you attend mass at St. Frances Cabrini, you may also leave your donation in the collection basket at mass.