World Vision rushed immediate supplies of food, water and children’s multi-vitamins to an orphanage in Delmas, Port-au-Prince, after its directors appealed for assistance. The orphanage had not had supplies of clean water for two days, was running out of food, had no electricity and was overcrowded. It originally housed 65 orphans but took in 36 more from another orphanage damaged in the quake. 
 
Orphanage Working to Meet Demands
Dozens of orphans crowded round World Vision staff when they entered the orphanage gates. They lifted up their arms begging to be picked up. Inside, many orphans stared listlessly from cots. As darkness fell, others simply lay down and slept haphazardly on the floor or on large mats.

Caregiver Charitable Mifort said the orphanage had been buying bottled water and food from local markets but skyrocketing prices was making it impossible for the orphanage to provide for all the children. 
 
Many Orphans Malnourished
When the water ran out, caregivers resorted to boiling water from a local river. World Vision nurse Delide Jean-Baptiste noted that most of the orphans were malnourished, possibly partly due to their bodies harboring parasites and many were suffering from scabies.

At least two orphans were suffering from vomiting and diarrhea. Delide said the overcrowded conditions made for unhygienic conditions at the orphanage. She noted many of the cots held more than one child—making it easy for them to infect each other with disease.
 
As World Vision staff began to leave, after dropping off the relief supplies, they were hugged and kissed by tearful caregivers, who kept repeating their thanks.

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Read a World Vision staff member’s blog for a personal account about his visit to the orphanage.