Another side of Haiti…


There is no denying the visible devastation that is still taking place in Haiti. The palace is still destroyed, children are on the streets begging for small change, trash piles up in the streets, and tent camps still house thousands of refugees.

With all this devastation beauty lies outside the peripheries of tragedy. 

Before going to Haiti, we had our common preconceptions of what it would be like. The news and media emphasized the tent camps, cholera outbreaks, and poverty and of course they were there, but there was so much more as well. I began to understand that these people who only illuminated the negative side of Haiti were stead fast on only on to their preconceptions and what they think Haiti “should be”. These people only focused on the negative and refused to acknowledge the positive. I realized, if you take Haiti for what it is and appreciate its beauty you will fall in love!

We were amazed not only at the friendliness and resilience of the Haitian people but the but also at the other side of Haiti that is rarely seen. As much devastation as there is in Haiti, there is ten times as much beauty that lies within the country and the culture. At night we heard the daily sounds of the rara bands, in the day we were graced with amazing street art the flooded the walls of Port-Au-Prince, at dawn we were awaken by the sounds of a rooster, in the afternoon we exprienced the soft sand and warm beaches of Jacmel, and fianlly on a daily basis we experienced the amazing beauty of Haiti, Haitian people, and Haitian culture.

Along with being able to experience Haiti and its beauty we were also able to help in our own way. We distributed dresses to 60 girls at Caillou preschool. This school was effected by the earthquake and is currently in a temporary place. Being able to see the smiles on the children’s faces was such a gratifying experience. It was at this moment we realized that something as simple as a beautiful dress can change a girls life, even if it was just for a moment-A new dress for a new Haiti- We realized that not only were we clothing these young girls with handmade dresses, we were giving them confidence and hope…

Check out the photos

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2012
04/18
CATEGORY
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Progress and Resilience after the Earthquake: A Call to Action Two Years Later


Two years ago, on January 12th, 2010, a massive earthquake hit Haiti. The world watched in horror as millions of people felt the effects of this devastating catastrophre take it toll on one of the poorest countries of the world. The world stood up in solidarity and billions of dollars were donated to Haiti in an effort to help the Haitian people rebuild the buildings that fell and most importantly, try to regain normalcy in their lives.

Dresses for Haiti was established after the earthquake in order to raise awareness of a topic that was slowly vanishing out of the news headlines. Although we knew we could not give back the lives or help on the ground, we felt, along with thousands of other NGOs, we were doing a small part to help the Haitian people after the earthquake. Cecilia Millan, Oxfam’s country director in Haiti, said the two-year anniversary “must be a call to action“ [i]

After countless telethons, fundraisers, and donated aid was made in the name of helping Haitians there is still much more that needs to be done. The US alone reportedly donated about $3.1 billion for Haiti since the January 12, 2010 quake.[ii] Although billions of dollars of aid have been given Haitian President Martelly demonstrated the reality: more than 8 million people live without electricity, 5 million are illiterate and 8 out of 10 Haitians live on less than $2 a day.[iii] The organization, MADRE, reported a staggering twenty-two percent of IDPs and two percent of general community members have been victims of sexual assault in Port-au-Prince. [iv] The problems facing Haiti are only further plagued by the scattered aid, corrupt government officials, and harsh US and international policy towards Haiti. The earthquake only perpetuated the persistent problems.

Today, thousands still are displaced in Haiti, the tent camps continue to exist two years later, approximately half of the $5 billion in aid has yet to be distributed, gender based violence continues, and millions still live in poverty. There is so much work that has to be accomplished.

I, along with the countless volunteers with Dresses for Haiti and other organizations, have take Millan’s call to action and so have you, but we must continue this call in order to help the Haitian people.

As you have read here, seen at one of our events, or read in a book, Haiti has amazing cultural, historical and artistic achievements. We here at Dresses for Haiti are taking our call to action not only to illuminate those achievements but to also bring light to the gender based violence taking place Haiti. Two years later we are still committed.

As one person so elegantly commented:

“Haiti needs nurses that can come down there for more than a week to 10 days. Doctors are needed. People who can swing hammers and clean up rubble. The cholera can be licked with renal lactate hydration solution (RL), and clean drinking water. Little girls can be clothed with dresses made from pillow cases. Shoes can be donated. School supplies can be collected as well as OTC medical supplies.”[v]

All of which rings true. Here at Dresses for Haiti we have recently started “Little Dresses for Haiti” in which we make little dresses and send them to Haiti for the young girls. Already, Christine Jamieson and her wonderful volunteers have donated little dresses. We are still looking for other volunteers to get together, have a sewing party, and make these little dresses for the young girls most affected by the earthquake.  Dresses for Haiti, along with our Haitian ambassador, will be making a trip to Haiti, mid February, to personally give the dresses to these girls.

Be apart of our call to action by volunteering or spreading the word. If you would like to be a part of our call to action email volunteer@dressesforhaiti.org

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2012
01/12
CATEGORY
Charity
Childern
Earthquake
Haiti
Little Dresses for Haiti
pillowcase dresses for haiti
Women
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Spotlight Charity of the Week!


Spotlight Charity of the week

KOFAVIV


Why Dresses for Haiti supports KOFAVIV

Dresses for Haiti began after the founder read an article about KOFAVIV’s mission. A small newspaper article stated women were being raped and this organization was there to support victims. Not only are the supporting victims with actual help but they are empowering them as well. What really struck us most was that this organization is run by women who a rape survivors and are therefore able to lend both physical and emotional supports. Continue reading to find out what KOFAVIV does and how you can help.

What is KOFAVIV

KOFAVIV is an organization in haiti that was established by and for rape survivors. KOFAVIV stands for “Komisyon Fanm Viktim Viktim louse,” translated from Creole to English, this acronym stands for “The Commission of Women Victims for Victims”

What do they do?

KOFAVIV provides support for rape victims as well as a continued desire to change the institutions that allow rape to continue and be unaddressed.

  • Providing a safe space for women to gather, support one another and organize to meet their needs and rebuild their community networks.
  • Offering trainings for women on how to stay safe, manage stress, care for traumatized children and maintain family health and hygiene in the hazardous environment of the camps.
  • Facilitating psycho-social support through peer-counseling groups of rape survivors who empower one another to heal and rebuild their lives. (www.madre.org)

Check out their mission here at

http://kofaviv.org/

or

http://www.madre.org/index/meet-madre-1/our-partners-6/haiti-kofaviv-36.html

2012
01/10
CATEGORY
Charity
Earthquake
Women
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Fashion’s Night Out


Dresses for Haiti is delighted to announce the Launch of Adriana Marie Co’s new line during Fashions biggest night! Not only will AMco launch their new line but for every product sold that night, a percentage will be donated to Dresses for Haiti. So come for a glamourous night of fashion and charity and support Haiti!

2011
09/07
CATEGORY
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Why we still sew Dresses for Haiti


Though time has passed since the last earthquake in Haiti, we still want to remind all of you why we still are committed to this organization. From the beginning we have been wanting to help change the lives of the people in Haiti with every dress sold. Unfortunately, until this day everyone is still affected by the disaster that occurred back in January. We still strive to raise awareness for the rights of women and children of this country. Haiti needs our help and support.

“God give the children of Haiti a better life.”
Mammie is “Mommy” to over seventy girls from the ages of 1-20 in her orphanage in Delmas 31. We spent a lot of time with Mammie that day. Her heart was beyond broken when she spoke to us privately. But the way she showed strength when the girls were paying attention was awe-inspiring.

“The fact that I’m still alive does not mean I’m better than the others. It’s just a gift from God.”
This woman saw everything she owned collapse right in front of her. She now lives in a tent city among hundreds of thousands of others on what used to be Haiti’s only golf course.

“God do not abandon your children.”
The earthquake left over a million people homeless. We met this woman at one of the many makeshift tent cities where living conditions are incredibly difficult. “There is no worse feeling in the world, as a mother, than to be unable to properly take care of your child.”

His irrepressible joy made this three year old boy everyone’s favorite kid at the hospital where he was staying. He was found under the rubble of his house with a severely injured arm but when around him, it was easy to forget what he had endured.

Photographs from: “Voices of Haiti.” Jeremy Cowart Photography. Web. 12 May 2011. <http://www.jeremycowart.com/#915462/Voices-of-Haiti>.

Check us out on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dresses-For-Haiti/128828603822597

Check out our new website: www.dressesforhaiti.org

2011
05/12
CATEGORY
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Dresses for Haiti Fashion Show


Last night was our first annual fashion show and it was a great success! We want to thank everyone who came out to support us and all those who were part of the show! It was great working with everyone. Here’s a sneak peak on what happened last night.

Check out the rest of the photos taken by Patsy Castillo on our Facebook page Dresses For Haiti.

2011
04/24
CATEGORY
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Dresses for Haiti 1st Annual Fashion Show


Dresses for Haiti proudly presents our first annual fashion show being held Friday, April 22 at Club Soiree located at 199 Bowery Street (between Spring Street and Delancey) We will be benefiting FUNTOSALUD International. There will be music, dancing, and of course fashion! Drinks will be served for anyone 21 and over. Bring your friends and come support Dresses for Haiti! Doors open at 7:30 pm.

Hope to see you there!

Check us out on Facebook ! Dresses For Haiti

2011
04/15
CATEGORY
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Model Casting


This past friday April 2, 2011 the first model casting was held at 36th street studio. We were happy to see all the people that came out willing to volunteer for the show. Our list of potential models grew. Here is a sneak peek on the audition that took place.

Elena speaking with a potential photographer.

Wray, an intern and two volunteers.

The models showing us their walks with confidence.

Some head shots of the models.

Two volunteers, Elena and Wray.

We want to thank everyone that came out to support us! Good luck!

2011
04/05
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Club Nublu Haiti Event


 

The Haiti Event took place on March 27, 2011. There was live music, dancing,  and drinks at the bar. Many people were having fun and enjoying themselves. We got to meet new people and even some potential drummers for our upcoming show!

2011
04/03
CATEGORY
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Women in Haiti


It is very difficult to raise a family in Haiti, with violence, crimes and starvation. The average annual income is under $400 and most live in poverty. Life is extremely difficult, especially for women in Haiti. Rape and violence against women have a high rate in Haiti. Women are seen as sexual objects, usable and abusable.

A women’s role in society depends on her or her husband’s economic status. Sadly most women are very poor and they are limited to what they do. Such as field work, domestic work, working at a sweatshop or selling at market. It is said women do most of the work, but they don’t make the decisions. If a woman does not give her husband a son, he finds another woman to have a boy with. Haitian women work hard despite all they must go through. In hopes that their children can one day have a better life.

Our organization’s (Dresses For Haiti)  goal is to be a part of change for Haiti. We hope with every dress that is made and sold, it will be the next step to giving the women and children a better life.

2011
03/29
CATEGORY
Charity
Earthquake
Haiti
Tragedy
Women
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