CHICAGO, IL (March 4, 2010) – The Covenant World Relief (CWR) disaster relief fund for Haiti has received more than $900,000 in contributions following an earthquake just seven weeks ago that leveled much of Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas, says CWR Director Dave Husby.

“We are grateful for the generosity and compassion that continues to be shown by Covenanters for the people of Haiti,” Husby said.

The funds are supporting relief efforts by World Relief International and Medical Teams International, the two partner organizations with which Covenant World Relief is working in Haiti.

Donations will be released over time to help fund longer-term reconstruction efforts, Husby notes. Covenant World Relief distributed funds over a three-year period to assist recovery and rebuilding efforts following hurricane Katrina and the 2004 tsunami.

World Relief has been working with local partners in Haiti, including churches, to provide food, water, shelter and medical care. Two thousand families in Cite Soleil, one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince, have received tarps through World Relief’s partnership with 66 pastors, according to Craig Pixley, senior cause engagement director.

“Around 10,000 people have received temporary shelter through World Relief and local church partnerships,” he says.

Churches in Haiti continue to be places of refuge for people left homeless. “Most pastors already have dozens of individuals sleeping on their church property who have nowhere else to go,” Pixley says. “It is a stark symbol of the church opening its doors – or yards – in a time of great need.”

World Relief continues to distribute water, dig wells and procure medical supplies. They also have begun making plans for helping with reconstruction.

Medical Teams International continues to send teams and equipment. Many Haitians are now suffering complications from wounds that were not previously treated. To see a video of their work and the partnership with CWR, click here.