Violence in Haiti hinders, but does not stop Virginia-based charity organization

VIENNA, Va. (DC News Now) — Ongoing violence in Haiti has made it difficult for the Community Coalition for Haiti (CCH) to do its jobs, helping those on the island national who need it.

“There is a humanitarian crisis in Haiti currently,” said CCH Executive Director, Clark Seipt.

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Gangs have ruled Haiti for about the last month.

“Day to day life is being impacted in significant ways, whether that is through safety and security, through ability to access basic human needs like food and water,” Seipt said.

Many Haitians have fled for the southern part of the country where the Vienna-based CCH currently operates free services.

“[We’re] serving thousands of patients annually, feeding more than 700 school kids daily, training hundreds of Haitian educators every year,” Seipt said.

According to Seipt, CCH operates three clinics in Haiti and is expanding services to include free vaccinations, pediatrics and dentistry.

Gangs have blocked those shipments meant for those who CCH helps. Right now, no Americans from the charity are in Haiti as its main airport remains closed because of the violence. Americans have not been able to fly in and out of Haiti since the start of the pandemic.

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Despite that, CCH continues to help Haitians, as it has for roughly 30 years, thanks to its Haitian doctors, nurses and other volunteers.

“We are a lifeline for many of these people,” Seipt said.

Her charity organization finds itself still helping those in need, while caught up in the midst of some of the worst violence Haiti has seen.

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