A Safe Haven Foundation is Proud to have had a role in helping Haiti Earthquake Victims…
Giving hope and a home to those in crisis and transition
Immediate Release
Contact: Anna Lloyd, Development Manager
Chicago, IL – February 5, 2010 – A Safe Haven Foundation provided emergency temporary shelter and accommodations for survivors/evacuees of the recent earthquakes in Haiti. Over 240 Haiti survivors arrived in Chicago the week of January 20th. Among the agencies on hand at O’Hare Airport to greet these survivors were representatives from A Safe Haven. Survivors were transported to A Safe Haven/CCIL’s facility in Chicago where they were provided with food, clothing, lodging, and comfort. It was originally anticipated that a total of 30 flights of emergency evacuees would be brought to Chicago, and A Safe Haven was prepared to provide whatever support services that were needed to assist in housing and welcoming the survivors. Due to travel conditions being stabilized in Haiti, it has been determined that no additional non-medical emergency evacuations will be required for the foreseeable future. Should the need for evacuations arise again, A Safe Haven/CCIL will be ready to provide immediate support services.
For full disclosure purposes and in response to this new information, A Safe Haven is no longer accepting monetary nor in-kind donations restricted for our ‘Hope for Haiti’ special account. All monies received by A Safe Haven for “Hope for Haiti” account will be applied towards the direct expenses related to serving the needs of those evacuees who found comfort and safety at A Safe Haven/CCIL. We will continue our outreach to support those evacuees who are now trying to re-establish their lives after this tragic event. Any donations that are not utilized directly will be donated to other charities that are directly assisting the Haiti relief effort. In redirecting any aid, A Safe Haven intends to respect the intent of the original donation. A Safe Haven Foundation will continue to accept donations that support its ongoing operations in serving the needs of the homeless and those suffering from the disease of addiction.
“We were honored to be asked to be part of the effort to provide comfort and care to these individuals who survived this tragic earthquake. Our experience in providing shelter and support services to stabilize the lives of people in crisis was invaluable in this situation. Our professional staff and volunteers showed extreme dedication and compassion in welcoming the survivors to our facilities.” said, Neli Vazquez-Rowland, President of A Safe Haven Foundation. “This outreach combined the talents and efforts of A Safe Haven/CCIL, the City of Chicago, volunteers, business partners, other service and public agencies; all working together to care for and comfort these survivors until they could reach their families and friends in other cities. Together, we cried, laughed, prayed, and sang with the survivors. It was very moving to hear their stories, and witness their faith and courage. We are also blessed to have the most incredible staff in the world. Many of our staff and volunteers worked 36 hours straight to ensure everyone was welcomed with warm food and open arms no matter what time they arrived!” added Ms. Vazquez-Rowland.
We would like to thank Sam’s Club, Chicago Mini Bus Travel, Aramark, Rotary One, Allison Payne, and all the other donors and volunteers for their support in providing services not only to our guests from Haiti, but their ongoing support of our operations that provide housing and support services to the homeless and those suffering from addictions. Through their efforts we were able to provide the survivors from Haiti with comfort and care in their time of need. .
About A Safe Haven
Since 1994, A Safe Haven is a Social Economic Model providing and coordinating supportive recovery home housing, treatment, affordable housing, job training and job placement services. A Safe Haven’s housing and case management services are available to people who are homeless and/or in for recovery from disease of alcoholism and drug addiction. Over 30,000 people have participated in programs offered at A Safe Haven. Through their diverse programs, which include phased living arrangements, ASH has achieved great success in aiding in the long-term sustainable recovery, self-sufficiency and independence of their residents. A Safe Haven accepts both public and private referrals. A Safe Haven is honored to have recently been chosen by the Board of Directors of the 100 year old Chicago Christian Industrial League to steward the mission of helping the homeless.
2009 ‘Social Sustainability’ Award Environmental Hall of Fame
2009 Silver Trumpet ‘Issues Management’ Award Publicity Club of Chicago
www.ASafeHaven.com or www.ccilworks.org
A Safe Haven/CCIL 2750 W. Roosevelt Chicago, IL 60608 Office 312-372-6707 Fax 312-372-6706