How I did it: although i'd been to haiti before, i wanted to volunteer during the second phase of earthquake recovery (as opposed to just go and hang out with friends).

on recommendation of a co-worker, i stayed with grassroots united (gru), located in port au prince.  i worked on an orphanage project with another small ngo called european disaster volunteers (edv), who at the time were located on the gru compound.  it cost $15 a day, which got me a space to pitch my tent, 2 meals a day and a built-in network of friends and colleagues. 

i went back a month later, this time staying at the new house edv had rented for itself.  i continued my work with the orphanage and did a bit more exploring of the city.  i also got engaged, to a staff member at gru.

i'll be going back and forth from brooklyn and port au prince until my fiance gets his visa, at which point we will be able to be together full-time.  during the trips i'll continue to work with the orphanage.  i also do volunteer pr work for edv when i'm stateside.

Lessons & tips: have patience and know your limitations.  i personally can't handle working with people in pain, so i stayed away from all cholera-related volunteering, which was fine, as the work i do in orphanages is also needed.  don't expect your plans to go as you expected.  haiti has its own way of letting you get things done... or not.

Resources: a good tent, a lot of bug spray, a pair of sturdy hiking sandals (chaco or teva), industrial strength sunblock, lysol anti-bacterial wipes (1 container per each week of your stay), lots of current music (the kids are REALLY into american music), chocolate

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Jan 21, 2011, 04:28PM PST | 2 comments | 10 cheers