AIDS Issues Update: Charles King Blogs: Features:
Charles King Blogs from Haiti
In the wake of the earthquake that hit Haiti this week, Housing Works President and CEO Charles King, and Housing Works Medical Director Vaty Poitevien, a Haitian native, left New York today to go to Haiti and assist PHAP+, a Haitian coalition of PWA-led organizations, to provide desperately needed medical services and supplies to Haitians living with HIVAIDS. King will be blogging as much as possible during the trip. He reports to us from the airport:
Our trip has gotten off to a sad start. Last night, as we were making final preparations, Dr. Poitevien received a call from her aunt telling her that they believe her mother and father were dead. The house appears to have collapsed on them.
In less than 24 hours, we were able to collect over $30,000 worth of medication and first aid supplies. A big thank you to Housing Works Board Chair Dr. David Cohen and former Housing Works Board Chair Pam Brier of Maimonides Medical Center, Dr. Marcelo Venegas, Housing Works’ former Senior VP for Health, now at Lutheran Medical Center, Jesus Aguais and the other wonderful folk at Aid For AIDS, as well as a half dozen Brooklyn pharmacies.
We have packed it all into twelve oversize suitcases. In addition, we have on suitcase full of LED lamps, flashlights, work gloves, solar powered radios and electric converters to keep communications equipment charged.
Judy Abbatangelo, our Delta Airlines clerk, was amazing. She immediately waived bag and weight limitations and waved our party to the front of the line. Vaty’s husband, Patrick Prepetit, also a doctor, and her cousin, Edgar Severe, a US Navy medic are accompanying us.
We’ve just boarded our flight, anxious, but happy to be doing something.
Read all of King’s posts at housingworks.org/activism
Please consider donating to Housing Works’ relief efforts in Haiti. Every dollar makes a difference!
Your inside source for in-depth activism news is updated daily by Staff Writer, Diana Scholl.
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Safe travels to all. Please send us updates many of us are worried.
Posted by Johnny Guaylupo, January 15, 2010 at 12:13pm
i cant even imagine the severity of the scene you are about to experience but my hat goes off to you for pitiching in both physically mentally and spiritually… you are all an inspiration to me.
Posted by annie, January 15, 2010 at 12:22pm
We’re all with you and Dr Vaty in spirit…much love
Posted by Robin, January 15, 2010 at 12:22pm
Extra love and wishes go to Doctor Vaty
Posted by Jason, January 15, 2010 at 12:32pm
My regards and best wishes go out to all the families in Haiti. I’m so proud that Hw is able to support Haiti in the time of need.
Posted by Elvis martinez, January 15, 2010 at 12:39pm
I pray you all travel safely and do continue to keep us posted.
Posted by Chanel, January 15, 2010 at 12:42pm
Thank you for contributing on behalf of Housing Works to Haiti. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Haitian people.
Posted by Robin Alexander, January 15, 2010 at 12:55pm
I wish you all the best of luck! I will continue my support from NYC in hopes to be able to get into PAP this coming week! Please keep us posted and Godspeed!
Posted by Jose Diaz, January 15, 2010 at 2:05pm
This is such an incredible, amazing, selfless act that you all are doing. I cant even begin to decribe the pride that I am filled with to be a part of this organization whose leaders, in the face of adversity and time of desperate need, are standing up and giving of themselves unconditionally. God bless you and thank you for being such a gift. All of you are in my prayers as well as our brothers and sisters in Haiti.
Posted by Connie Wimbish, January 15, 2010 at 2:17pm
waiting for updates Charles…how r u guys?
Posted by Robin, January 15, 2010 at 9:07pm
These vital supplies are desperately needed, especially for HIV/ADIS sufferers.
I am so grateful that people like you are working hard to help survivors. And I am deeply sorry to hear that Dr. Poitevien has lost her parents. I cannot begin to imagine what she is going through but I am keeping her and her family in my thoughts and prayers. We will stay with you through this.
Posted by Janice Urbsaitis, January 15, 2010 at 10:24pm
My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Poitevien and her family. I cannot imagine what she is going through but I pray for strength for her in this time of sorrow. Charles, please keep us updated as best as you can…and be encouraged that we are with you in spirit.
Posted by Jennifer Lester, January 16, 2010 at 12:50am
Charles,
how can I coordinate medication drop off here in Bay area, and get it to you.
Jesser Brooks
Post News Group
Posted by Jesse Brooks, January 16, 2010 at 9:40pm
Charles and Dr. Vaty, you are in my thoughts and prayers in every step you take to assist folks in need. Dr. Vaty I am deeply sorry to hear about your parents, I pray that GOD gives you the strenght in this time of sorrow. Stay strong and safe; please try to keep us updated as much as you can. Love You!!
Julie
Posted by Julie Pena, January 16, 2010 at 10:21pm
please be careful, watching the news is very unconforting. Riots, looting, again please be careful.
Posted by chris, January 19, 2010 at 9:50am
While it is quite admirable what Charles King is trying to do with relief to the people in Haiti…I would be remiss as a former employee of Housing Works if I didn’t express my sentiments here.
Charles routinely discriminates against “non-minority” employees both in hiring practices and when it domes to promotions.
His treatment of many former employees (and current I hear) is nothing short of despicable. After he uses you (I worked many weeks 60-80 hrs per week) bringing much needed resources to the organizations, he dismisses you.
His behavior really needs to be looked at!!!
Posted by Cindy, January 22, 2010 at 5:02pm