Suffolk County, NY - November 2, 2016 - In the wake of Hurricane Matthew and the damage it caused Haiti, Assemblywoman Jean-Pierre, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory, and the non-profit organizations Haitian Americans United for Change (H.A.U.C.), and Embrace Relief have taken action to aid the people of Haiti.
Assemblywoman Jean-Pierre, as well as Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory urged the community to donate goods such as non-perishable items, as well as food, and toiletries.
“As a Haitian-American leader in the New York State Assembly, I am deeply saddened by the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew in Haiti,” said Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre. “I am very grateful that the assembly district that I am fortunate to represent is located within the generous community of Suffolk County. I am honored to have colleagues in all levels of government such as our Suffolk County Executive, Steve Bellone, and Presiding Officer Gregory that are willing to work with my office as we spearhead relief efforts to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti. I hosted a Town Hall meeting at New Birth Christian Church, which is under the leadership of Pastor Louis St. Fort, two weeks ago as an opportunity for members of the community to come and hear directly from the senator of South Haiti, Herve Fourcand, the state of the Haitian people and learn about their current needs. We are joining together during this time of need for the great country of Haiti, and for that I commend Suffolk County Executive, Steve Bellone, for his generous contribution of MRE packages, and Presiding Officer Gregory’s donations on behalf of the community.”
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone donated 2,700 MRE packages to the relief efforts. “Suffolk County is a generous community, and we are proud to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti in the aftermath of this devastating hurricane,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “We have a robust and active Haitian-American community here in Suffolk County, and we are proud to be able to provide the necessary backing that they need to support the people of Haiti as they work to rebuild, as so many communities worked to help Suffolk County residents in the aftermath of disasters like Superstorm Sandy.”
Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory was instrumental in acquiring food, and clothing for the people of Haiti. “The outpouring of generosity and support for the people of Haiti shows the true spirit and heart of the residents of Suffolk County,” said Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory.
H.A.U.C. provides resources for Haitian Americans and aids them with their transition to life in the United States. “H.A.U.C. is glad to partner with Assemblywoman Jean-Pierre’s Office to make sure that we gather essential items for Hurricane Matthew Victims,” said Ketlie Chrispin, President of H.A.U.C.
Embrace Relief is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to disaster relief efforts. This organization picked up all of the donations from each of our respective offices and will ensure that it is delivered safely to Haiti. "Embrace Relief is honored to partner with Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre, and her team for our Haiti relief campaign,” said Osman Dulgeroglu, CEO of Embrace Relief. “We have donated $10,000 and a container of clothes and supplies to Haiti. We are also sending another full container in the upcoming week. We hope this partnership will create a bridge for our communities so that we may continue to work together for the betterment of the people."