Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Ricky Martin and Habitat’s CEO, Jonathan Reckford, travel to Haiti in support of Habitat’s Haitian recovery efforts

Ricky Martin traveled to Port-au-Prince today with Habitat for Humanity International’s chief executive officer, Jonathan Reckford, to visit one of the earthquake-ravaged neighborhoods in the capital city. Martin was moved by the massive devastation caused by the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck last week, and just as he did following the December 2004 Asian tsunami, Martin traveled as quickly as possible to the affected region.





“The only words I can think of to describe what I’ve witnessed here today are that this is a living nightmare. The images that are now in my head will be impossible to erase,” said Martin. “Children and families impacted by this disaster will need long-term help restoring their lives, in every sense of the word. Every family is a family in need. I’m asking each of you to think about the future of the children. What they will need to survive after they are properly fed and have received appropriate medical care is a safe and decent home.”
Habitat for Humanity’s Disaster Response team in Haiti assessed the damage to low-income neighborhoods impacted by the earthquake and will work alongside Habitat for Humanity Haiti in the response and recovery efforts. Habitat for Humanity offers a threefold response that includes clearing debris from home sites, providing Habitat for Humanity Shelter Kits and repairing and rebuilding homes through a transitional housing method.

When families return to their homes from temporary shelters, Habitat will help them remove debris and identify what materials can be reused for rebuilding.

Habitat for Humanity Shelter Kits will be provided that include building materials and tools to make immediate repairs to damaged homes. The kits typically include items such as hammers, nails, buckets, rope, crowbar, a tarp, trowels and handsaws.

Habitat for Humanity will help families repair homes where possible. For homes that are beyond repair, Habitat will help families build new houses that are stronger and more resistant to earthquakes and hurricanes.

How you can help
Please join Ricky in bringing hope to the people of Haiti. There are many ways you can get involved. Bookmark this page and return often to find out how you can help.

Donate NOW--Click Here
Be among the first of Ricky’s fans to join him in responding to the urgent need in Haiti, and you could receive a special gift from Ricky himself.
  • The first 10 donors of $1,000 or more to the RMF/HFH Haiti Recovery Fund will receive
    -Two VIP tickets to the concert of their choice on Ricky’s next world tour (located in first 10 rows).
    -Two meet and greet passes to say hello to Ricky before the show
    -An autographed Habitat for Humanity hardhat.
  • The first 30 donors of $750 or more to the RMF/HFH Haiti Recovery Fund will receive two VIP tickets to the concert of their choice on Ricky’s next world tour (located in first 15 rows).
  • The first 50 donors of $500 or more to the RMF/HFH Haiti Recovery Fund will receive a Habitat for Humanity hardhat signed by Ricky and dedicated to donor or name of their choice!



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