It’s been one year since a devastating earthquake rocked the island nation of Haiti, killing more than 200,000 people. It’s been one year since celebrities and media moguls held telethons and prompted the world to donate every nickel they could muster to aid in rebuilding efforts of the troubled nation. To date, a whopping $15 billion dollars has been raised to salvage Haiti and get it back on its feet. So, where are we now?
Sadly, as of today Haiti still remains in ruins. Large chunks of Port-au-Prince continue to lie in ruins. Thousands of makeshift tents dot city streets and continue to serve as home for Haitian citizens. And everyday citizens are beginning to wonder aloud: What happened to all the money?
According to a recent survey of the top charitable organizations, only 38% of donated money has actually been spent to provide recovery and rebuilding aid in Haiti. This is in contrast to New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina, where 80% of the money raised has been spent. Also, only 63.6% of the money pledged for 2010 has been disbursed.
According to fundraising officials, the money donated to Haiti has been a bit slow in getting disbursed. But the officials cautioned there is a dual system regarding the donations. First, there is the money that was raised and donated shortly after the earthquake, which was already spent on emergency relief efforts. Then there are billions pledged by foreign nations, most of which may now not be disbursed after all.
While some fear that years of crime and corruption in Haiti may mean that all $15 billion in relief aid may not make it to its intended targets, some are more optimistic that donation efforts will not go to waste.
So, it’s only natural to ask: Will Haiti survive? Will Haiti rebuild? These are literally the billion dollar questions donors are desperately wanting to know.
`
The truth is, I wanted to give but decided not to because, sadly, I knew THIS was going to happen!It's happened time-and-time again: A catstrophic event hits, affecting HUGE populations, HUGE sums of money are raised and then POOF!…the money's gone with the intended recipients (the ones most in need) having received little-to-NONE of it, particularly in regions of COLOR. It's become a booming SCAM business for liars, crooks and thieves of every ilk…smh.