“The Red Cross has done a good job in Haiti and in New York.”

When the earthquake hit Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Jean Cherizer Franguel, his wife, and their 14-month-old daughter escaped unharmed from their home just before it collapsed. For the next three days, having no other recourse, they slept outside. Then, a friend suggested that because their daughter had been born in New York City and was therefore a citizen, Jean should bring his family to the United States.

After consulting with the American consulate, Jean’s wife and daughter traveled together to New York on a US Navy plane; Jean traveled separately and reunited with them here. Remembering the support the Red Cross provided in Haiti after the earthquake, Jean sought help for his family too. At Chapter headquarters in Manhattan, they were given emergency funds for food and clothing. Through a translator, Jean said, “The Red Cross has done a good job in Haiti and in New York."

–Jean Cherizer Franguel