Well-Prepared Humanitarian Group Says Haiti Needs Even More Help
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Before Hurricane Matthew even made it to Haiti, the Man Dodo Humanitarian Foundation was at work.
They sorted medication and collected donations well in advance of the storm.
They knew the southern part of the island would be devastated and they were right.
"The word we've gotten is that only five percent of the homes have survived this horrible hurricane," said Man Dodo Humanitarian Foundation President Jeff Lozama.
As soon as Haiti's airport opened, the foundation had a team of medical professionals on the ground. In Miami, they turned to social media savvy young people to get even more help.
"People don't really pay attention to what you say. They pay attention to what you do," said Tico Armand.
Armand, who's a professional model, took to Facebook and Instagram while she volunteered to ask her almost 40,000 followers to give their time.
"We no longer want this to be a status or just a hashtag," she said. "So in order for people to follow that movement you have to show them what you are doing."
Her strategy worked.
"Our young Haitian Americans, they know Haiti is their first love and they're coming to the rescue of the folks that they know have been so impacted by this terrible hurricane," Lozama said.
Related: Caribbean Nations Crushed By Hurricane Matthew In Dire Need Of Help
Port-au-Prince's sister city, Miami, is also reaching out.
Beginning Saturday, they're asking people to drop off canned goods, rice, beans, diapers and baby food to city of Miami fire houses.
"Living here in America we take a lot of things for granted and the fact that the ability for resources and for people to respond to your needs come rather quickly as you have a country that does not have that support system in place," said Miami Fire Capt. Ignatius Carroll.
While there are efforts happening all over Miami, there is a fear that it's not enough.
The hope is that the people of Miami will show the Haitian people their support.
"Put the statuses to the side put the Hashtags to the side and come here and give your time," Armand said.
Visit the foundation's website for more information on how you can help.