Rhode Islanders are struggling to get calls through to friends and family in Haiti in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. Bernard Georges, who immigrated to Rhode Island from Haiti as a teenager, says he finally reached his brother and sister on Friday.
“The fact that I’m able to get in touch with them, it was a big relief,” said Georges. “It was only a one-minute talk, and then I lost service because the internet, there is no communication.”
Photographs he has received from friends in Haiti show what Georges describes as a catastrophic situation.
“They show damage and floods in streets, the houses collapsed. People are screaming, yelling. So it is very frustrating to see what they have to go through.”
Through the organization New Bridges for Haitian Success, Georges is collecting donations to contribute to hurricane relief efforts. He and other leaders from the Haitian community are organizing a cookout fundraiser for next Saturday.
For more information about donations for Haiti: New Bridges for Haitian Success.
Drop-off centers for donations:
New Bridges for Haitian Success
603 Elmwood Ave.
Providence, RI 02907
A&G Multiservices Center LLC
608 Charles Street
Providence, RI 02904