Governor Cuomo, Consulate General Announce Hurricane Matthew Donations Headed to Haiti

Governor Andrew Cuomo and Consul General Peter Helder Bernard, Esq. of the Consulate General of Haiti in New York today announced food, water, medical supplies and other donations from New Yorkers will be delivered to assist those devastated by Hurricane Matthew in Haiti. The more than 30,000 pounds of donations on 60 pallets include food, water, hygiene products, medical supplies and clothing. New York, the Consulate, elected officials and local leaders worked together to gather items for those in need and provide support services for family members in New York following the hurricane earlier this year. Items will be transferred from the New York State Office of General Services warehouse in Brentwood by truck and rail to Florida, and then shipped to Haiti by the Consulate.

“Haiti is still struggling in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew and I am proud New Yorkers opened their hearts and donated these much needed supplies to support this nation’s recovery efforts,” Governor Cuomo said. “New Yorkers always help their neighbors in need, whether they are next door or around the globe.”

Consul General Peter Helder Bernard, Esq. said, “Hurricane Matthew caused much devastation in so many areas of the country and the outpouring of aid from the people of New York is so great, it is an honor to personally thank you all for your generosity and support for our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Haiti loves New York…and New York loves Haiti.”

Hurricane Matthew was a Category 4 storm when it hit the southwestern portion of Haiti on October 4, 2016. The effects of heavy rain, high winds and damaging tides took their toll on the country, its people and its land. Information provided by the Consulate General of Haiti in New York indicates the storm left nearly 500 people dead, approximately 150,000 homeless, and more than a million severely struggling for the means to survive. Six years after suffering a catastrophic earthquake claiming the lives of over 300,000 Haitians, the people of Haiti were yet again dealt a devastating blow as the storm ravaged farms and livestock, eliminating a prime source of food and destroyed communities including Jeremie, Grand Anse, Les Cayes, Nippes.

Ongoing challenges for the Haitian people include addressing the Cholera epidemic and supplying those affected by Hurricane Matthew with the basic amenities of life. In response, the Consulate General of the Republic of Haiti in NY, the office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, community organizations including the National Action Network, local and state government officials, and many others joined forces to help the people of Haiti.

The Haitian Consulate worked with the Governor’s office to help manage logistics for community donations and the New York National Guard picked up the collected items at more than 25 state office locations throughout the State and delivered them to State warehouse locations in Albany and Brentwood. The Office of General Services packaged the items and readied the donations for shipment. Photos of the donation packaging are available here.

Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito said, “As we know from our own experiences with hurricanes here in New York State, we understand that recovery efforts will go on for a long time. We hope that the supplies donated by our citizens will offer some relief to the people devastated by Hurricane Matthew.”

Major General Anthony German, the Adjutant General of New York, said, "The men and women of the New York National Guard are proud to do their part in helping to get these supplies donated by New Yorkers to people as they recover from Hurricane Matthew.”

The following elected officials and local leaders assisted with the recovery effort led by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Consul General Peter Helder Bernard Esq.:

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke

Senator Kevin Parker

Senator James Sanders Jr.

Assemblyman N. Nick Perry

Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages

Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte

Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre

Assembly-elect Clyde Vanel

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams

Council Member Mathieu Eugene

Council Member Jumaane D. Williams

Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages

Joseph Makhandal Champagne, former Mayor of South Toms River, New Jersey 

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo