Furnishings from Westfield State University Support Schools and Orphanages in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

We don’t always get to see or show you the impact that your surplus has improving the lives of recipients.  They don’t have the time or means to stop and take photos and write a “Thank You.”  They’re too busy getting by.

So we’re always happy when we get that kind of feedback.  This is from a project at Westfield State University, done through the Massachusetts State College Building Authority.  The University was replacing furnishings from about 75 campus apartments.  Something over 500 pieces of furniture, including desks and chairs, dressers, dining and coffee and end tables, refrigerators, stoves, and mattresses.  Over two days IRN packed the furniture into three overseas shipping containers.  Through our longtime partner Food for the Poor these were transported and distributed among four schools and orphanages and a shelter in Port-au-Prince, Haiti:

WSU dorm desks used to establish a computer classroom, COHAN-FEDDI
WSU dorm desks used to establish a computer classroom, COHAN-FEDDI

COHAN-FEDDI is an orphanage and school for seven hundred students.  Director Ms. Maud Laurent used the FSU furniture throughout COHAN-FEDDI’s campus:  dressers and mattresses in the orphanage; desks in classrooms; tables and chairs in dining and common areas.  She wrote, “At last, the school is getting better furniture.    I can concentrate on other matters now.”

Surplus WSU tables create a new dining room at the Orphelinat Les Amis de Jesus, outside Port-au-Prince
Surplus WSU tables create a new dining room at the Orphelinat Les Amis de Jesus, outside Port-au-Prince

The Orphelinat (Orphanage) Les Amis de Jesus cares for 20 children.  Claudette Jean Francois is one of the caretakers.  She told FFTP she was in tears when the school received WSU mattresses:  “Thank God for Food For The Poor and the University.  With their donation, the kids will no longer sleep on the cold floor.  No more body aches or sleepless nights.”

WSU seating, tables, and desks upgrade the shelter and community meeting areas at Eglise
WSU seating, tables, and beds upgrade the shelter and community meeting areas at Eglise Saint Louis Marie de Montfort.

The Eglise Saint Louis Marie de Montfort is a community church and shelter in Port-au-Prince.  With the WSU inventory, FFP was able to provide the church with seating for guests and visitors, tables and chairs, and bed sets.

Dressers from Westfield State in a dormitory for infants, Foyer Renmen
Dressers from Westfield State in a dormitory for infants, Foyer Renmen

Foyer Renmen is an orphanage and school that has been serving homeless and needy children for 22 years.  The orphanage currently cares for 45 children, and over 100 more attend classes at the school.  WSU furnishings are supporting all of Foyer Renmen’s programs:  living areas; classrooms; dining and cafeteria; and administration.  Florence Thybulle, the head of Foyer Renmen, reported to FFP, “Thanks specially to the donors that send the furniture.  I am able to organize the kids’ clothing and provide desks.  If Foyer Renmen looks good, it is because of the favor of FFP and the Westfield State University.”