By Dessalines Ferdinand
LITTLE HAITI (Le Floridien) – For more than three decades, the Center for Haitian Studies (CHS), a registered non-profit, tax-exempt health and social service organization, has been providing health services free of charge to the disenfranchised populations of Little Haiti/Little River in Miami.
The Annual Little Haiti Health Fair usually held the last Saturday of the month of October, is always a huge success., Organized in partnership with the Department of Community Service (DOCS) of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, this was one of many events that drives the existence of this community health center – besides its renown as the main provider of HIV/AIDS-related services to Haitian-Americans living in Dade County.
Unfortunately, organizers had to cancel this year’s Health Fair edition due to Covid-19. However, the head of this community center found a way to still help during these pandemic times, especially this holiday season.
Dealing with the unforeseen challenges caused by COVID-19 has taken a toll on people around the world. The pandemic caused the largest global recession in history. Indeed, millions of workers have lost their jobs in the US, and vulnerable ones, like members of the Haitian Community, have been hit hardest.
Monday, December 21st, was a day of helping for the head of the Center for Haitian Studies, who teamed up with Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jean Monestime-District 2 to assist families in need as the country grapples with the pandemic. They achieved this with a three-hour drive-thru food distribution event.
As a result of unprecedented unemployment, a growing number of members of Miami’s Haitian Community are facing hunger because of lost jobs. Not having a choice, hundreds of them are getting assistance from food banks for the first time. For responsible community leaders, coronavirus is the perfect moment to help those in need. That is why Dr. Larry Pierre, M.D., M.P.H., Executive Director of the community center, has partnered with Commissioner Jean Monestime, the first Haitian-American to serve as a Miami-Dade County Commissioner, as well as the first to chair the commission, to support residents facing economic hardship and food insecurity in the Miami region.
The drive-thru food distribution was held at CHS’s location [8260 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33138], and was open to the public while supplies lasted. Recipients arrived in their vehicles as no walk-ups were permitted. At the north entrance of the center’s building, cars lined up seeking a meal.
The distribution began around noon and lasted until 2:45 p.m. Nearly 500 bags of food [rice, beans, spaghetti, oil, potatoes, oranges, apples, fruit, and more) were distributed to struggling families in the area who may have lost jobs due to the pandemic.
“It is our duty as elected officials to try to help the individuals and communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Miami-Dade Commissioner Monestime, whose district 2 incorporates portions of North Miami, North Miami Beach and Biscayne Gardens, as well as the Miami neighborhoods of Little Haiti and Liberty City.
“COVID-19 has not only challenged our healthcare system, it has impacted many residents’ ability to put food on the table,” said Dr. Georges Metellus, M.D., M.P.H., Administrator of the Center.
“I have no idea what types of foods are in the bag they placed in my trunk yet,” said a smiling woman apparently in her late 30’s. “But one thing I know for sure is that I will have something to put on the table at least today and tomorrow. I am broke, and I have two children who eat a lot while schooling at home. It’s very, very good help.”
It’s an amazing and inspiring sight to witness the people of our community -from elected officials to business people to the average citizen on the street- come together to help others in a time of need. There has been no time in recent memory where such assistance in needed by so many.
Let us all remember, though, as we head into the New Year, that these needs are ongoing. Everyone can provide a little hope to those families and individuals who have lost jobs and struggle to put food on the table.
May we thank these organizations and leaders who make a difference and become heroes ourselves. Even if each of us help one family enjoy one simple meal, what an amazing relief that would be. We can do this, South Florida! We show it every day of the year.
Here’s to a wonderful New Year of hope, health, peace, and prosperity. And here’s to the ones who dig in deep and help their fellow man, woman, and child. Thank you all.