Welcome to HaitiTaskForce.org ! Whether you are an Episcopal parish or an individual volunteer looking to help the people of Haiti, we hope there's something here to help you in your ministry.

If you have an upcoming event, or if your parish might be interested in a mission trip to Haiti, a prayer service or a fundraiser here in New England, send us an email to info@haititaskforce.org

The Haiti Partnerships Task Force was formed on January 22, 2010 as  part of the Global Mission Partnerships Task Force of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, under the direction of the Rev. Ted Gaiser, to address the urgent and long-term needs of the Diocese of Haiti.

On June 19, we met with Rev. Kesner Ajax of the Diocese of Haiti. Fr. Ajax works for his diocese facilitating church partnerships.  It was a time  to hear what has been happening in Haiti, learn about long range planning, and discern when it might be time for us to begin organizing trips for those who would like to participate in a post-earthquake support mission trip or develop a longer-term church partnership in Haiti. 

One of the key documents from that meeting is the church's Master Plan, describing the needs for schools, churches, presbyteries and health care centers. A synthesis of the master plan can be downloaded by clicking here.  

The Haiti Partnership Task Force is working on the issues of short-and long-term responses to Haiti's needs. To learn even more, click on the "How to Help" link.

Short-Term:

• Pray for Haiti (eg. Prayers of the People, create prayer cards, etc.)
• Hold prayer services dedicated to the Haitian people
• Begin fund-raising, especially if you can include a wide participation by the parish (ex. bake sales, special offerings, etc.)
• Donate generously to organizations such as Episcopal Relief and Development and the Society of St. Margaret
• Support first-responders (eg. medical personnel, trauma specialists, etc.) from the diocese who may be able to join a team working in Haiti in the short term

Long Term:

• The diocese will plan to lead several mission trips to Haiti for reconstruction, once volunteers can be accommodated
  
• We foresee a continuing need for medical and construction mission groups after the initial crisis has past, a time when much international attention fades, but inter-parish partnerships can be maintained or created.