Smith Georges is thinking about his native Haiti. The community activist and artist painted a mural of Haiti when the 2010 earthquake hit, and he felt compelled to update it after this latest tragedy.

Georges also said his family has not been able to reach his aunt, who still lives in Haiti.

“Hopefully, nothing bad happens to her, but seeing the devastation in those areas really gives me a lot of reasons to be anxious,” he said.

Georges attended a press conference and prayer vigil on Monday on the steps of St. Jerome's Roman Catholic Church in Flatbush.

 


What You Need To Know

  • Elected officials and community leaders gathered for a press conference and prayer vigil for Haiti on Newkirk Avenue Monday

  • They vowed to support Haiti and Haitian-Americans during this time of crisis

  • The mayor says the city is providing mental health support for the Haitian community at the Haitian American Council Training Center and at the Evangelical Crusade Christian Church

 

Elected officials and community leaders stood together, including Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Rev. Al Sharpton, all vowing to help the Haitian community and encouraging others to do the same.

“We know the strength of the Haitian people. It is legendary. But let’s be there for them and let them know they are never alone,” de Blasio said.

“In 2010, everybody said there was an opportunity to reinvest in Haiti," said Dr. Christina Pardo of Life of Hope. "Now is another opportunity for us to take control and make sure people are represented.”

Lovely Pierre is originally from Haiti and now lives in Canarsie. Her children joined her at the vigil.

“Though I left there a long time ago, it’s hard and heavy to me because this is my hometown, I had the opportunity of coming here, doing my studies here, but if I didn’t have that opportunity, it could’ve easily been me,” Pierre said.

The mayor says the city is providing mental health support for the Haitian community at the Haitian American Council Training Center and at the Evangelical Crusade Christian Church.

Georges said Haiti can use all the support it can get at a time like this.

“You see problems are compiling on top of problems in Haiti. I wish not just the Haitian or Haitian Americans, that the whole world would come together and extend a hand to Haiti,” he said.

There are many ways to help out, but officials are warning people to donate to credible organizations.

The mayor says one way people can learn how to help is by visiting NYC.gov/fund.