From Boby Duval, LADH:

“A group of young women organized by L’Athletique D’Haiti beat overwhelming odds to win the Women’s Plate in Paris.  First, the team almost did not make it to the tournament for which they had been training for for a year.  They were delayed by four days in their arrival to the 2011 Homeless World Cup in Paris because their airline, Air Caribe, prevented the entire team from leaving on their scheduled flight, claiming that four of the girls did not look like their passport photos.  Then, Air Caribe refused to rebook the team for four days, by which time the tournament and opening ceremonies had already started.

The girls stepped off the plane on Monday and immediately played their first match against Uragay.  After beating Uraguay in their first match, the goalkeeper broke her arm and had to be replaced by one of her team mates.  All this was disheartening, but through it all, the girls maintained an indominable spirit and tremendous optimism.  In the end, the Haiti team beat France 10:2 to win the Homeless World Plate, one of the top prizes. 

Tonight the entire team is back safely in Haiti and it was a very moving experience for me to greet them at the airport in Port au Prince. I am so proud of Haiti and her strong young women, who, despite being homeless and at risk, travelled all the way to Paris to proudly represent Haiti. They were winners the minute they were finally able to board the flight to Paris, but winning the Homeless Cup Silver Plate against tough competition such as France was a humbling joyful experience for all of us.”

Please visit the links below for more information and entire video of the winning match:

Homelessworldcup.org

http://www.homelessworldcup.org/paris-2011/fixtures-and-results/28.08.2011/haiti-conquer-hosts-to-claim-womens-plate

Congratulations to these brave young women!
Team Haiti 2011 Homeless World Cup Women’s Squad

Wideline Conin
Santia Roselene Hypolite
Marjorie Pierre
Amanda Pierre-Louis
Jemina Pierre
Nuela Antenor
Modelene Etienne
Jesula Leone

The Echoplex on Sunday, May 22, 2011
All Proceeds Donated to Operation USA
 
Los Angeles, CA (April 8, 2011)—The Echoplex will host the inaugural Rhythm & Soul for Relief: Concert for Japan, Haiti & the World on Sunday, May 22. Net ticket proceeds from this night will be donated to Operation USA for their relief efforts in Japan, Haiti and other disaster zones.
 
Last year in response to the earthquakes in Haiti, Operation USA presented a nearly sold-out Haiti Relief Concert featuring Hepcat, Dengue Fever and others. Over $13,000 was raised for OpUSA’s work in Haiti. Based on the overwhelming response by music fans along with the need to support immediate and ongoing efforts in numerous affected areas around the world, OpUSA is launching this annual benefit and awareness concert series.
 
The soul-infused line-up features some of Los Angeles’ most popular home grown talent: hip hop trio Dilated Peoples (Rakaa, Evidence, DJ Babu), funk group Breakestra, cumbia band Very Be Careful, Latin soul outfit Boogaloo Assassins, new reggae all-stars The Good Times featuring Black Shakespeare, plus selectors DJ 2High (DPG Japan), Music Man Miles (Funky Sole/Root Down) and Tom Chasteen (Dub Club/Echodelic Soundsystem). Black Shakespeare (I&I Sound) will also emcee this event alongside veteran radio host Junor Francis.
 
Operation USA is a Los Angeles-based international relief agency that helps communities at home and abroad overcome the effects of disasters, disease and endemic poverty by providing privately-funded relief, reconstruction and development aid. Since 1979, OpUSA has worked in 99 countries, delivering over $350 million for relief and development projects.

Following the 8.9 earthquake and massive tsunami that hit northeast Japan, OpUSA is working with a well-established network of local partners to address immediate needs for material aid, with a focus on shelter and medical supplies. While further assessment is needed before committing to specific recovery projects, OpUSA will focus its efforts on supporting communities that may be overlooked by larger agencies or the Japanese government. Projects will be identified where the efforts can have the maximum impact.
 
Following the devastation in Haiti and the continuing struggles their people still face, OpUSA helped complete one of the largest post-quake rebuilding projects so far. Earlier this month, construction was completed for Ecole Nationale Jacob Martin Henriquez, a new, state-of-the-art public school in the hard hit city of Jacmel. This nine-building complex will provide a new educational home to more than 400 local children in grades K through 7. In addition, a scholarship fund has been developed by OpUSA to help support expenses the students will incur during the year, including mandatory uniforms, books and supplies. A feeding program that will provide a hot meal every day for each student and community development programs are also being planned.

Unique to Operation USA is their policy that 96% of all money donated to relief efforts and programs are spent on direct support and materials for people in need; only 4% of money donated is available for operational costs or overhead. OpUSA is also unique in the way they identify and target aspects of the community that will make the most positive impact on peoples’ lives, including training that provides people with the sustaining skills. www.opusa.org.

Tickets are $15 in advance, $17 at the door and available now through www.ticketweb.com. Doors open at 7pm with live performances from 8pm to midnight. The Echoplex is located at 1154 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026 in downtown Echo Park, below The Echo (enter through the alley off of Glendale Blvd). Phone # is 213-413-8200. It’s an 18 and over, general admission venue. www.attheecho.com  
  
About the Performers: 
 
Dilated Peoples
The Los Angeles-based Dilated Peoples is an iconic hip hop crew that has managed to perform amazing feats on the thin line between underground and mainstream. Though they made much of their name performing live on the international club and festival circuits, they are also revered for their bona fide hip hop classic records like “Worst Comes To Worst” (featuring Guru) and “This Way” (featuring Kanye West and John Legend). They have also made worldwide names for themselves as solo artists with Evidence’s The Weatherman LP and The Layover EP; DJ Babu’s Beat Tape Instrumentals and Duck Season series; and Rakaa dropping 2010’s critically acclaimed Crown of Thorns album and staying in global demand as an event host. Dilated Peoples are always soldiers for the cause and supporters of the movement. www.dilatedpeoples.com
 
Breakestra
Breakestra was formed by multi-instrumentalist, composer, DJ and producer, Miles “Music Man” Tackett in 1997 as a live tribute to the ‘60s/’70s funk and soul-jazz music (breaks) that had been sampled in late ‘80s/early ‘90s hip hop beats. Though it was an 8-piece live ensemble of musicians, the sets were (and still are) played in the same seamless medley style as the original Bronx hip hop DJs of the pre-sampling 1970s. After releasing the Live Mix Part 2 in 2000 on Stones Throw, a recording capturing the original live hip hop/sample concept, Tackett and front man vocalist Mixmater Wolf decided to express their own soulful proclamations and recorded the all original funk-soul jazz (with a little hip-hop) album Hit The Floor released on Ubiquity Records in 2005. Their most recent all originals recording, Dusk Till Dawn (dedicated to the late Los Angeles angel DJ Dusk) released in 2009, expanded out stylistically to include some world psychedelic-funk sounds and also featured the debut of vocalist Afrodyete “the African Goddess of funky soul & love”. Live, you still get the non-stop, hip hop train of funk power but with the added flavor of the many Breakestra originals in the mix! www.breakestra.com
 
Very Be Careful
Very Be Careful is a homegrown L.A. band that plays Colombian vallenato music, a traditional Caribbean sound that centers around the accordion, backed with percussion and bass. Members include Ricardo “Ricky G” Guzman on accordion and vocals, Arturo “Brickems” Guzman on bass, Craig “Peabody” Martin on guacharaca, Dante “The Rip” Ruiz on campana, and Richard “Mil Caras” Panta on caja vallenata. From the streets of Austin’s SXSW and Germany’s World Cup Tour ’06 to the cultural pinnacles of Chicago’s Summer Dance Series, New York’s Central Park Summerstage, L.A.’s Grand Performances, Glastonbury Music Festival, and Fuji Rock Festival, to NY’s SOBs, LA’s House of Blues and backyard BBQs, VBC has tamed the beasts within or unleashed the ones without. They have performed alongside Joe Strummer, Alfredo Gutierrez, Antibalas, Carlos Vives, Dub Trio, Grupo Niche,Kronos Quartet, Gogol Bordello. VBC’s latest album, Escape Room (Barbès 2010), goes farther than just capturing the insane energy of their live shows. It’s a true modern monument to Vallenato which uses all the tools of genre’s pioneers without ever feeling anachronistic. www.verybecareful.com
 
Boogaloo Assassins
Formed in Los Angeles in 2007, the Boogaloo Assassins are the West Coast’s modern answer to New York City’s Latin music explosion of the late 1960s. Heavily indebted to the classic sounds of Spanish Harlem, Los Asesinos serve up late 1960’s style salsa with Latin boogaloo, best described as a raucous fusion of American R&B with Cuban rhythms, sung in both English and Spanish. Perfect for any night, the Assassins’ live show is a youthful, high-energy, packed dance floor affair that lives up to the boogaloo legacy. For the Boogaloo Assassins the mission is simple: bring the people a funky good time, Latin-soul style. Los Asesinos have had the honor of sharing the stage with many of their favorite groups: Greyboy All-Stars, B-Side Players, Grupo Fantasma, The Aggrolites, Budos Band, Money Mark, Orgone, Breakestra, and The Lions at venues such as Sunset Junction Festival, El Rey Theatre, House of Blues, Echo Plex, Getty Museum Summer Sessions Series, and a year-long residency at LA’s The Mint. www.boogalooassassins.com
 
The Good Times featuring Black Shakespeare
The Good Times is a dynamic new reggae band sprung from the Los Angeles music scene. Boasting an all-star line-up of musicians who have worked a vast array of artists in all styles of music, The Good Times is leading the charge in a resurgence of roots reggae mixed with jazz, dub, hip hop, and soul. Formed in 2011, the band includes front man Black Shakespeare along with a powerful horn section and airtight rhythm section.  With songs like “Mama Earth,” “One and All,” and “Catch Fleas,” The Good Times manage to rock the party and open minds all at the same time.            

# # #

Contacts:
 
Operation USA                                                                 
Alison Deknatel                                            
Director of Communications                      
310-838-3455                                           
adeknatel@opusa.org                          

Event Organizers   
Sean Heitkemper   
Sean@RockeryMusic.com  

Eric Kohler          
rockeryeric@yahoo.com

OPERATION USA AND HONEYWELL INAUGURATE THE LARGEST SCHOOL IN SOUTHEAST REGION OF HAITI

Nine-Building, 40,000 sq. ft. Complex, Serving More Than 400 Local Children, Rises Just Seven Months After Groundbreaking Following Devastating January 2010 Earthquake

JACMEL, HAITI (March 11, 2011) — Honeywell (NYSE: HON) Chairman and CEO Dave Cote and Honeywell Hometown Solutions President Tom Buckmaster and Operation USA CEO Richard Walden joined students, parents, teachers, school administrators and community leaders for ribbon-cutting ceremonies to open Ecole Nationale Jacob Martin Henriquez, a new, state-of-the-art public school in the hard hit city of Jacmel in southern Haiti. The nine-building school complex will provide a new educational home and free meals to more than 400 local children in grades K through 7.

The school was built using contemporary, sustainable building methods and is designed to withstand any potential future earthquakes. Honeywell used the school’s construction to train local builders in modern earthquake-resistant construction and environmentally-conscious techniques that can save Haiti both money and natural resources in the years to come. Honeywell has established a scholarship fund in partnership with Operation USA to help cover the cost of books, uniforms and other student expenses.

“Working together with Operation USA, Mayor Edwin Zenny, and the City of Jacmel, we have delivered on our commitment to rebuild creating a terrific community asset and environment for learning just 7 months after we broke ground,” said Cote. “This is one of the largest post quake rebuilding projects completed in Haiti so far. Haiti’s children have been profoundly affected and we are gratified to be able to help Haiti continue their education and to play a meaningful role in improving the learning environment.”

Jacmel, a seaside town with a population of 80,000 and located 45km from the epicenter of the earthquake, saw an estimated 80% of its buildings either damaged or destroyed, with the most severe devastation in the poorer neighborhoods. Before its destruction, Ecole Nationale JM Henriquez – one of the few free schools available to the city’s children – served 400 students between the ages of 7 and 17. The new school complex, which sits on one and a half acres overlooking the bay of Jacmel, will offer its K-7 students a new, free educational home featuring a computer lab, library, cafeteria, administration building, six classroom buildings, a sustainable community garden and an athletic field.

Immediately following the earthquake, Honeywell committed $1 million in aid to Haiti, including a 100 percent match of employee donations, to fund rebuilding projects. Honeywell also made business jets available to Operation USA for airlift support to deliver medical supplies and transport medical staff.

In an effort to promote good health and nutrition while also incentivizing school enrollment and thereby enhancing literacy rates, a feeding program will be implemented for all students attending the school. At the core of the program is a community garden on the school grounds. The garden will be cultivated and maintained by the students, their families, and school staff. All produce grown in the gardens will be used in the daily meal provided to the children. These “learning gardens” will integrate practices of resource management, basic horticulture, water harvesting, composting, and small animal husbandry.

The government of Haiti estimates that approximately 230,000 people were killed and over 300,000 injured in the massive January 2010 earthquake, including 38,000 students, more than 1,300 teachers and other education personnel. Over 4,000 schools and the Ministry of Education’s headquarters were destroyed, and all available data on education was lost. An estimated three million students are believed to have suffered an interruption to, or complete cessation of, their educations. Only 50% of the children living in resettlement camps and relocation sites attend school.

SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FACTS:
• Nine Buildings
• 40,375 Square Feet
• 15 Classrooms
• 10 Bathrooms
• 5 Showers
• 20 Computers
• 600 Students Capacity
• Average building is 4,486 sq ft (largest 5,821 sq ft)
• Total Construction Workers Employed: 500+
• Number of masons trained in US standards and protocols: 200
• Number of engineers trained in US standards and protocols: 35
• Foundations:
• Built of reinforced concrete
• Cell Masonry:
• Used 2-cell masonry blocks, which are less susceptible to breakage, accept the vertical steel elements and additional concrete, and have higher compressive strength.
• Wall Reinforcement:
• Horizontal and vertical steel in the masonry to take the lateral (horizontal) and gravity (vertical) loadings on the wall.
• Placement of horizontal and vertical reinforcement in the masonry walls.
• Provides for a redundant system where the walls act as hundreds of columns and also are reinforced to take the lateral loading from earthquakes and wind.
• Long Span Roof:
• Steel used throughout roof and tied to walls
• Roof has drop beams at 3M on center and a 5″ slab that spans between them. This roof structure will span the 10.5M distance and allow for overhangs on both ends.
• Creates a “cage” for the entire building and distributes weight more evenly to the walls.
• The slope of the roof allows for drainage and also for ventilation and natural light into the classroom

# # #

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 6, 2011)— As the one year anniversary of the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti approaches, Los Angeles-based International relief agency Operation USA reaffirms its dedication to recovery in Haiti, and specifically the City of Jacmel. Construction continues at the site of Operation USA’s largest project, the rebuilding of Ecole Nationale Jacob Martin Henriquez in Jacmel. This public elementary school is scheduled to be completed in February 2011 and will provide an opportunity for a free education for over 400 students, grades K-7. Operation USA has focused a good portion of its relief and recovery efforts in Jacmel—knowing it can make a significant impact in this smaller well-governed community.

The construction for this project has been funded by Honeywell Hometown Solutions, Honeywell’s Corporate Citizenship initiative and built with cooperation from the City of Jacmel. Architectural designs for the school were donated by global design and planning firm Gensler. Seismic specialists Miyamoto International provided structural engineering services, and have also been serving as on-site supervisors for the construction process, bringing high performance earthquake engineering expertise that is so clearly in short supply in Haiti. Throughout the construction process, workshops have been held for the Haitian masons and laborers working on the project in numerous facets of safe building reconstruction—providing an unprecedented opportunity to educate the local workforce in seismic safety and building methods at the highest level.

In addition to the school’s construction, a scholarship fund has been developed by Operation USA to help support expenses the students may incur during the school year, including mandatory school uniforms, books and supplies. A feeding program that will provide a hot meal every day for each student and community development programs are also being planned.

In the first days and weeks following the quake, OpUSA staged 8 relief airlifts and sent 8 sea shipment of supplies—getting essential pharmaceuticals, medical, emergency and shelter supplies, generators and light towers, as well as medical personnel to partner agencies on the ground in Port-au-Prince and Jacmel. Emergency items including food and cooking supplies were purchased for a number of orphanages, schools and hospitals. Relief efforts were greatly helped by generous support, products and services from many donors including Honeywell Hometown Solutions, United Airlines, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc., Ball Corporation, The Lincy Foundation, Cardinal Health, Cascade Designs and many others,

HOW TO HELP:

Operation USA continues to appeal for donations of funds from the public to support its long-term projects in Haiti. Corporate donations in bulk of health care and sanitation materials, including antibiotics and water purification supplies also remain a priority.

Donate online at www.opusa.org, by phone at 1.800.678.7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave, Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232.

Text “AID” to 50555 and donate $10 to OpUSA’s Haiti relief efforts.

About Operation USA

Operation USA is an international relief agency that helps communities at home and abroad overcome the effects of disasters, disease and endemic poverty by providing privately-funded relief, reconstruction and development aid. Since 1979, the Los Angeles-based Operation USA has worked in over 99 countries, delivering over $350 million for relief and development projects. 


Operation USA responded rapidly to the January 12 earthquake in Haiti, shipping emergency aid within days of the disaster. Operation USA estimates that it has sent over $5.5 million in donated medical, energy, food and shelter supplies to Haiti to date getting essential pharmaceuticals, medical, emergency and shelter supplies, generators and light towers, as well as medical personnel to partner agencies on the ground in Port-au-Prince, as well as the equally hard-hit city of Jacmel.

Recipients/Partners include:  

L’Athletique d’Haiti, The City of Jacmel, Mission Ranch Medical Clinic (Citi Soleil), Partners in Health and St. Damien’s Pediatric Hospital/St. Luke’s Schools.



###


Media Contact: 


Alison Deknatel
Director of Communications, Operation USA

310.838.3455 or adeknatel@opusa.org

Richard Walden
President & CEO, Operation USA
310.838.3455 or rwalden@opusa.org

Source: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

Situation Overview

The Ministry of Public Health (MSPP) reports the latest statistics on the cholera epidemic as 1,034 deaths and 16,799 hospitalised cases according to data collected up to 14 November. To date, cases have been confirmed in the Artibonite, Centre, North, Northwest, Northeast, South and West departments. To respond to needs of cholera patients, 30 cholera treatment centres (CTCs) and 27 cholera treatment units (CTUs) are operational across the country as well as a number of rehydration stations where oral rehydration salts are distributed.

Civil unrest in Cap Haitian on 15 – 16 November has slowed cholera prevention and treatment supplies from reaching the area in the past two days. The Nord Department is currently experiencing a case fatality rate of 7.5 per cent, which is the highest in Haiti. Prevention of cholera transmission through water, sanitation and hygiene initiatives has also been affected. Oxfam reports suspension of a project to chlorinate water for 300,000 people living in and around Cap Haitian until the violence subsides. A nearby World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse was looted of 500 metric tonnes of food and subsequently burned. WHO/PAHO reports that cholera training of health professionals has halted while noting the lack of public information materials available to sensitize the population in prevention of cholera.

Humanitarian Needs and Response

Health
In metropolitan Port-au-Prince, cases of cholera have been confirmed in six of seven communes. Nine CTCs are operational, with an estimated bed capacity of 600-1,000. Médecins du Monde -Canada is operating three mobile clinics which serve a population of 45,000 people in 14 camps in Cite Soleil as well as 55,000 people who live in areas surrounding the camps. Health cluster partners are particularly concerned with cholera cases increasing in Cite Soleil due to poor sanitation, lack of access to clean water and crowded living conditions.

Nationwide, 30 CTCs operated by health cluster partners treat patients daily with estimated bed capacity of 1,600-2,000 beds. There are 27 smaller cholera treatment centres, across the country CTUs often established to compliment CTCs or hospitals where the prevalence of cholera requires treatment of 40 patients or less.

The establishment of new CTCs and increasing beds in existing CTCs are planned as is the construction of additional rehydration stations.

Health experts estimate needing 15 nurses for every doctor. Nurses, nurses’ aides and cleaners are all needed urgently. In the department of Artibonite, departmental health authorities have stated the need for 260 “community health workers” who can administer oral rehydration salts and help with cleaning and disinfecting areas where patients in communities are being cared for.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
The International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) is training volunteers in Léogane and Jacmel over the next two weeks and be accompanied by the distribution of 20,000 informational leaflets and 10,000 jerry cans and bars of soap and 1.5 million water purification tablets (Aquatabs) for 20,000 households for 30 days.

Distribution of water purification tablets, oral rehydration salts/zinc by ACTED and Action Contre la Faim in Artibonite have so far covered an estimated 130,000 people out of a total target of 450,000. DINEPA, the water and sanitation directorate has made available trucks and equipment for de-sludging latrines at CTCs pending a memorandum of understanding with WHO, the MSPP and the IFRC. As a prevention measure, the Netherlands Red Cross together with the Haitian Red Cross in the South East & West Department is working to contain the spread of cholera through hygiene promotion and Jerry Cans, soap, and water tablets distribution.

As part of its scaled-up hygiene promotion and cholera prevention efforts, the American Red Cross will have 82 health promoters working this week on health messaging in public places across Pétion-Ville, including markets, churches and bus stations. In its first two weeks of this scaled-up programming, the American Red Cross trained more than 220 promoters in hygiene promotion and cholera prevention, who then worked in a total of 41 camps. In the first phase, the promoters were deployed to a total of 34 camps

Gaps & constraints
Reports that water purification tablets are being eaten and oral rehydration salts taken as a means to prevent cholera transmission demonstrate for the further need to sensitize the population on the use of such materials.

Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM)
CCCM carried out sensitization activities in 170 camps throughout the earthquake affected communes to inform the people on how to prevent the disease. As of 15 November, CCCM partners have assessed 75 sites of the 89 identified by the Ministry of Health as potential sites for Cholera Treatment Units (CTU) implementation. CCCM partners continue to distribute hygiene kits across IDP camps and 1 million water purification tablets to Cite Soleil in the coming days.

Two rounds of SMS messages to over 120,000 households respectively with information on cholera prevention and treatment were sent by CCCM partners during the weekend. To date, CCCM partners have assessed 75 sites of the 89 identified by the Ministry of Health as potential sites for Cholera Treatment Units (CTU) implementation.

Food
WFP has assisted over 3,600 beneficiaries with 71,598 meals-ready-to-eat (MREs), 0.67 metric tonnes of high energy biscuits (HEB) and 4.3 metric tonnes of dry rations as part of the cholera response. WFP met with the head of the public hospital in Les Cayes yesterday to discuss possible food support to patients, hospital staff and caretakers. WFP has distributed to schools in affected areas 2,037,420 water purification tablets in Gonaives and 496,500 in Hinche. Soap will be distributed this week. WFP plans to distribute a total of 8,342,550 water purification tablets in schools to 278,085 children in affected areas and then expand to reach 941,411 children in schools in all non-affected areas with 28,242,330 tablets.

Education
The education cluster continues to focus on the response to cholera in schools. To date, cluster partners have conducted sensitization in 634 schools: 120 schools in Artibonite, 106 in Centre, 170 in the West, 122 in the Southeast and 116 in Northeast, with different forms of interventions. The Cluster partners are also advancing with the quick planning of the cholera response: more than 10,000 schools will be covered with various types of interventions, being almost 50% of the total school network in the country. The Ministry of Education and representatives from WASH and health clusters are to discuss the strategy on the cholera response in schools.

Logistics
Following advocacy by the logistics cluster, the Government of Haiti is considering the re-implementation of special procedures for incoming humanitarian cargo that were initiated after the earthquake, to allow relief items to be imported quickly. These new customs clearance procedures have been signed by the Prime Minister this week. The endorsement by the Ministry of Finance is pending.

OPERATION USA MOBILIZES TO SEND EMERGENCY AID AS HURRICANE TOMAS HITS HAITI

LOS ANGELES, CA (November 5, 2010)— Los Angeles-based International relief agency Operation USA continues to provide support to partners on the ground in Jacmel and Port-au-Prince to alleviate damage and suffering from the arrival of Hurricane Tomas. The storm began to hit Haiti Thursday night, bringing heavy winds and rain to the already vulnerable island nation.

Operation USA has four sea containers of shelter and emergency supplies in port in the Domincan Republic, ready for use by the city of Jacmel as soon as clearance is granted by the Haitian government.

Anticipated flooding could bring immeasurable damage to the many crowded tent camps that still house hundreds of thousands, as well as bring enormous stress to the already tenuous infrastructure in Port-au-Prince, and beyond. Fears also extend to the exacerbation of the cholera outbreak that recently hit the country.

The storm was upgraded to hurricane status this morning. By 11 a.m. ET, the center of the storm passed between Haiti and southeastern Cuba. Tomas had maximum sustained winds of about 130 km/h and some additional strengthening is expected.

Operation USA is appealing for donations of funds from the public and corporate donations in bulk of health care and sanitation materials, including antibiotics, shelter and water purification supplies.

HOW TO HELP: 
Donate online at www.opusa.org, by phone at 1.800.678.7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave, Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232.

Text “AID” to 50555 and donate $10 to OpUSA’s Haiti relief efforts.

About Operation USA’s work in Haiti

Operation USA responded rapidly to the January 12 earthquake in Haiti, shipping emergency aid within days of the disaster. Numerous long-term recovery projects are currently underway, with an emphasis on education, healthcare, youth programs, livelihood and social services. Operation USA estimates that it has sent over $5.5 million in donated medical, energy, food and shelter supplies to Haiti to date getting essential pharmaceuticals, medical, emergency and shelter supplies, generators and light towers, as well as medical personnel to partner agencies on the ground in Port-au-Prince, as well as the equally hard-hit city of Jacmel.

Operation USA has focused a good portion of its relief and recovery efforts in Jacmel—knowing it can make a significant impact in this smaller and somewhat overlooked community. The agencies largest project, the rebuilding of the public school Ecole Nationale JM Henriquez in Jacmel, is currently under construction.


Recipients/Partners include:  

L’Athletique d’Haiti, Artists for Peace and Justice, Centre de Sante (Petit-Goave), The City of Jacmel, Hands and Feet (Jacmel), Mission Ranch Medical Clinic (Citi Soleil), Partners in Health, Project Medishare/University of Miami and St. Damien’s Pediatric Hospital/St. Luke’s Schools.



###


Media Contact: 


Alison Deknatel, Director of Communications, Operation USA

310.838.3455 or adeknatel@opusa.org

Richard Walden, President & CEO, Operation USA
310.838.3455 or rwalden@opusa.org

OPERATION USA MOBLIZES TO SEND EMERGENCY AID AS TROPICAL STORM TOMAS APPROACHES HAITI

LOS ANGELES, CA (November 4, 2010)— Los Angeles-based International relief agency Operation USA announced today that it will provide support to partners on the ground in Jacmel and Port-au-Prince to alleviate damage and suffering as needs arise from the projected impact of Tropical Storm Tomas. The storm is expected to hit Haiti beginning tonight, bringing heavy winds and rain to the already vulnerable island nation.

Anticipated flooding could bring immeasurable damage to the many crowded tent camps that still house tens of thousands, as well as bring enormous stress to the already tenuous infrastructure in Port-au-Prince, and beyond. Fears also extend to the exacerbation of the cholera outbreak that recently hit the country.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Tomas could be near or at hurricane strength—74 miles per hour—as its center passes Haiti. Jamaica and eastern Cuba are also likely to feel its effects.

Operation USA is appealing for donations of funds from the public and corporate donations in bulk of health care and sanitation materials, including antibiotics, shelter and water purification supplies.

HOW TO HELP: 
Donate online at www.opusa.org, by phone at 1.800.678.7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave, Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232.

Text “AID” to 50555 and donate $10 to OpUSA’s Haiti relief efforts.

About Operation USA’s work in Haiti
Operation USA responded rapidly to the January 12 earthquake in Haiti, shipping emergency aid within days of the disaster. Numerous long-term recovery projects are currently underway, with an emphasis on education, healthcare, youth programs, livelihood and social services. Operation USA estimates that it has sent over $5.5 million in donated medical, energy, food and shelter supplies to Haiti to date getting essential pharmaceuticals, medical, emergency and shelter supplies, generators and light towers, as well as medical personnel to partner agencies on the ground in Port-au-Prince, as well as the equally hard-hit city of Jacmel.

Operation USA has focused a good portion of its relief and recovery efforts in Jacmel—knowing it can make a significant impact in this smaller and somewhat overlooked community. The agencies largest project, the rebuilding of the public school Ecole Nationale JM Henriquez in Jacmel, is currently under construction.


Recipients/Partners include:  
L’Athletique d’Haiti, Artists for Peace and Justice, Centre de Sante (Petit-Goave), The City of Jacmel, Hands and Feet (Jacmel), Mission Ranch Medical Clinic (Citi Soleil), Partners in Health, Project Medishare/University of Miami and St. Damien’s Pediatric Hospital/St. Luke’s Schools.



###


Media Contact: 


Alison Deknatel, Director of Communications, Operation USA

310.838.3455 or adeknatel@opusa.org

Richard Walden, President & CEO, Operation USA
310.838.3455 or rwalden@opusa.org

CHOLERA OUTBREAK IN HAITI: OPERATION USA READIES AID

LOS ANGELES, CA (October 28, 2010)— Los Angeles-based International relief agency Operation USA announced today that it will direct sanitary and disease prevention materials to partners in the City of Jacmel and Port-au-Prince in response to the cholera outbreak that brought over 300 deaths and as many as 4,900 confirmed cases to Haiti this week.

This is the first cholera outbreak in Haiti in 50 years. To date, the outbreak has been contained to the central rural regions around the Artibonite River, 60 miles north of the capital. Though there are reports that the number of new cases is stabilizing, the outbreak still poses a severe threat to densely populated Port-Au-Prince—and beyond. Cholera is a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration—spread through contaminated drinking water, or foods that have been washed in contaminated water. Without immediate diagnosis and treatment cholera can quickly be fatal. With thousands of still displaced Haitians living in densely populated conditions with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water, this outbreak will remain a concern for some time to come.

Operation USA is appealing for donations of funds from the public and corporate donations in bulk of health care and sanitation materials, including antibiotics and water purification supplies.

HOW TO HELP:

Donate online at www.opusa.org, by phone at 1.800.678.7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave, Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232.  Text “AID” to 50555 and donate $10 to OpUSA’s Haiti relief efforts.

About Operation USA’s work in Haiti

Operation USA responded rapidly to the January 12 earthquake in Haiti, shipping emergency aid within days of the disaster. Numerous long-term recovery projects are currently underway, with an emphasis on education, healthcare, youth programs, livelihood and social services. Operation USA estimates that it has sent over $5.5 million in donated medical, energy, food and shelter supplies to Haiti to date getting essential pharmaceuticals, medical, emergency and shelter supplies, generators and light towers, as well as medical personnel to partner agencies on the ground in Port-au-Prince, as well as the equally hard-hit city of Jacmel. Operation USA has focused a good portion of its relief and recovery efforts in Jacmel—knowing it can make a significant impact in this smaller and somewhat overlooked community. The agencies largest project, the rebuilding of the public school Ecole Nationale JM Henriquez in Jacmel, is currently under construction.

Recipients/Partners include:
L’Athletique d’Haiti, Artists for Peace and Justice, Centre de Sante (Petit-Goave), The City of Jacmel, Hands and Feet (Jacmel), Mission Ranch Medical Clinic (Citi Soleil), Partners in Health, Project Medishare/University of Miami and St. Damien’s Pediatric Hospital/St. Luke’s Schools.

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Media Contact:

Alison Deknatel, Director of Communications, Operation USA
310.838.3455 or adeknatel@opusa.org

Structural Engineers Miyamoto International
Join Team as Construction Begins on Rebuilding of Public Elementary School in Earthquake Devastated City of Jacmel

LOS ANGELES, CA (August 24, 2010)—International disaster relief agency Operation USA today released designs donated by the renowned design and planning firm Gensler for the rebuilding of a primary school in Jacmel, Haiti that was completely destroyed in the January earthquake that devastated much of the country. Operation USA has committed to rebuilding Ecole Nationale Jacob Martin Henriquez—a public school that will be home to 400 students K-7 who could not otherwise afford to go to school. The construction for this project has been fully funded by Honeywell Hometown Solutions, Honeywell’s Corporate Citizenship initiative and built with cooperation from Mayor Edwin Zenny and the City of Jacmel. Groundbreaking ceremonies were celebrated in Jacmel on August 10 with representatives from Operation USA, Honeywell, the City of Jacmel and the Department of Education in attendance.

“Gensler’s commitment to the global community—improving the environments where people live, work and learn—is a core value of our firm,” stated Nila R. Leiserowitz, managing director/principal, Gensler Los Angeles. “We view learning as an opportunity to spark imagination, foster community and define the future. Working with Operation USA and Honeywell on the design of the Ecole Nationale Jacob Martin Henriquez school in Haiti has been a fulfilling learning experience for our team, and also helped us live up to the important social responsibility that we feel we have as architects and designers.”
 

View the rendering here: http://www.opusa.org/images/HaitiRendering_Gensler.pdf

“Education is the cornerstone of sustainable development. In our 30 year history, we have learned that true recovery following a disaster of this magnitude only comes with a long-term commitment to the rebuilding process,” said Richard Walden, President and CEO, Operation USA. “We are indebted to the many partners that have so willingly joined us in this project. Gensler has given a great gift to the City of Jacmel and we are thrilled that together we are able to play a part in educating generations of Jacmel’s children.”

The design took many factors into consideration—and ultimately the team proposed simple, cost-effective single story buildings that would be easily constructed by local builders and artisans. Typically, the buildings are of concrete block construction with monopitch concrete-slab roofs. These are methods typical in Haitian construction, a crucial factor in realizing the project, and provide added benefits of thermal mass and opportunity for simple rainwater capture. Nods to traditional Haitian vernacular elements manifest in the detail of door and window openings, which feature brightly colored shutters and ventilation screens, and the suggestion of a ‘front porch’ along the main facades of most buildings.

At a broader site-design level, location of the individual buildings is informed by three key factors: site climate, site usage, and social use. Generally aligned along the north-south direction allows the classroom buildings to capture prevailing westerly winds for natural ventilation in the warm tropical climate, a device which is enhanced by the simple shape of the building section. This siting approach provides a series of connected ‘in-between’ outdoor spaces and courtyards, which function as the key social connectivity device of the project. Community use is seen as a vital part of the life of the school, and buildings addressing these uses serve as permeable but clear intermediaries between the street frontage and more secure inner reaches of the school environment. Lastly, an appropriate clustering of the buildings on the site create hierarchy of outdoor space, distinct community and private outdoor spaces, and a large remaining area on the flattest part of the site, sufficient for eventual use as a half-size soccer pitch.

All of these contribute to what is hoped will become the vibrant, campus-like environment of shared, multi-generational educational experience and community involvement which is envisioned as key to the success of the new school.

“This project has been a wonderful learning experience for everyone involved.  From the programmatic element of designing a school, to sharing knowledge of building standards that account for seismic activity and incorporating sustainable landscape practices, the focus of the project and process has been education,” stated Wendi Gilbert, Associate, Gensler Los Angeles. “We have teamed up with Miyamoto International, structural engineers and Grun Studio, to conduct workshops during construction, extending the learning beyond the classroom to the Jacmel community.  There is a saying in Haiti about taking steps; “piti piti na rive” – “little by little, we will arrive”.  Although this project will not solve all of the issues in Haiti, education is certainly the first step.”

Structural engineers Miyamoto International will develop seismic resisting structural systems which are suitable in Haiti and serve as on-site supervisors for the construction process, bringing high performance earthquake engineering expertise that is so clearly in short supply in Haiti. Throughout the construction process, Miyamoto will lead workshops for the Haitian artisans, masons and laborers working on the project in numerous facets of safe building reconstruction—providing an unprecedented opportunity to educate the local workforce in seismic safety and building methods at the highest level. “ The structural systems we develop will incorporate the use of all local available materials and masons; they will also meet the international building standards for earthquake resisting systems. These designs and practices should become the blue print for all new schools in Haiti. Our mission is to make the world a better place. We are very excited about this opportunity,” relays Dr. Kit Miyamoto, President and CEO of Miyamoto International.

In addition to building the school, a scholarship fund has been developed in partnership between Operation USA and Honeywell to help support expenses the students may incur during the school year, including mandatory school uniforms, books and supplies.

About Gensler
Gensler is a global design, planning, and strategic consulting firm networked across 33 locations on five continents. Consistently ranked by U.S. and international industry surveys as the leading architecture and interior design firm, Gensler leverages its deep resources and diverse expertise to develop design solutions for industries across the globe. Since 1965, Gensler has collaborated with clients to create environments that enhance organizational performance, achieve measurable business goals, enrich people and communities, and enhance everyday experiences. For its longstanding commitment to the advancement of sustainable design, Gensler received the Leadership Award from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2005.

About Miyamoto International
Miyamoto International is a global earthquake and structural engineering firm providing critical services that sustain industries and communities around the world. The firm specializes in designing High Performance Earthquake Engineering solutions that reduce lifecycle costs and realize a positive net impact on a structure’s operation. Miyamoto helps tackle some of the most challenging projects in the world from diverse offices in the Americas, Asia and Europe. The firm’s clients include governments, private-sector organizations, developers, architects and contractors who desire highly-effective and sustainable technical solutions.

About Honeywell
Honeywell International (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.

About Operation USA

Operation USA is an international relief agency that helps communities at home and abroad overcome the effects of disasters, disease and endemic poverty by providing privately-funded relief, reconstruction and development aid. Since 1979, the Los Angeles-based Operation USA has worked in 99 countries, delivering over $350 million for relief and development projects.

Operation USA responded rapidly to the January 12 earthquake in Haiti, shipping emergency aid within days of the disaster. Numerous long-term recovery projects are currently underway, with an emphasis on education, healthcare, youth programs, livelihood and social services. Operation USA estimates that it has sent over $5.5 million in donated medical, energy, food and shelter supplies to Haiti to date getting essential pharmaceuticals, medical, emergency and shelter supplies, generators and light towers, as well as medical personnel to partner agencies on the ground in Port-au-Prince, as well as the equally hard-hit city of Jacmel. Operation USA will focus a good portion of its relief and recovery efforts in Jacmel—knowing it can make a significant impact in this smaller and somewhat overlooked community. 


For photos of construction progress and project updates:
Learn more–Ecole Nationale JM Henriquez



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Media Contact: 


Alison Deknatel, Director of Communications, Operation USA

310.838.3455 or adeknatel@opusa.org

Anne Alexander, Gensler Los Angeles
310.449.5772 or anne_alexander@gensler.com

Jessica Stanton, Miyamoto International
360.696.8930 or jstanton@miyamotointernational.com

JACMEL, HAITI, August 10, 2010 – Operation USA and Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced today the ground breaking for a public school, Ecole Nationale Jacob Martin Henriquez in Jacmel, Haiti. In attendance were Tom Buckmaster, President Honeywell Hometown Solutions, Richard Walden, President and CEO of Operation USA, Jacmel Mayor Edwin Zenny and many other local dignitaries representing the Department of Education. Construction of the school, which will serve approximately 600 local students in grades K through seven, is scheduled to be completed by January 2011.

“Six months ago, Honeywell committed to contributing $1 million in aid to the region, including a 100 percent match of employee donations, to fund rebuilding projects in Haiti and we are on target with that promise,” said Tom Buckmaster, President of Honeywell Hometown Solutions, Honeywell’s Corporate Citizenship initiative. “With the dedicated assistance of Mayor Edwin Zenny alongside relief agency Operation USA, we’re confident that today’s ground breaking will help support education and overall community resources. Honeywell has also made business jets available to Operation USA for airlift support to deliver medical supplies and transport medical staff. We are dedicated to helping Haiti rebuild.”

Honeywell’s investment in this rebuilding project is two-fold. First, the company is supporting the use of both contemporary and sustainable building methods for the school that can withstand future seismic disasters. Secondly, workshops will be held for local builders to encourage their direct involvement in this build and the longer-term rebuilding efforts in the region. These workshops will focus on education around the latest in building standards and regulations while considering environmentally-conscious construction options that can save the region both money and natural resources over time.

Other aspects of the new school will help establish a sense of community and normalcy to the region. A completely new computer lab will be an integral part of the new site as well as a sustainable community garden and regulation-sized athletic field that will host community sports activities.

“Partners like Honeywell are invaluable in getting meaningful relief work done,” said Richard Walden, President and CEO, Operation USA.  “Beyond financial assistance, we are thrilled to have a partner that is involved in every aspect of this re-building effort. Honeywell brings an unyielding commitment that ultimately will improve the Jacmel community immeasurably.”

In addition to building the school, a scholarship fund has been developed in partnership between Honeywell and Operation USA to help support expenses the students may incur during the school year, including mandatory school uniforms, books and supplies.

About Honeywell
Honeywell International (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell’s shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.

About Operation USA
Operation USA is an international relief agency that helps communities at home and abroad overcome the effects of disasters, disease and endemic poverty by providing privately-funded relief, reconstruction and development aid. Since 1979, the Los Angeles-based Operation USA has worked in 99 countries, delivering over $350 million for relief and development projects. Operation USA is a co-recipient of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize as part of “The International Campaign to Ban Landmines”; was named as one of Worth Magazine’s “100 Best Charities in America”; and, in addition to their Four Star rating, was recently named the “#1 Exclusively Privately Funded Charity” by watchdog group Charity Navigator. Learn more and make secure donations at www.opusa.org.