I just spoke with the ONS co-ordinator who is in charge of the disaster response in Sierra Leone. I lovely man yet the challenge is almost overwhelming.
He noted his priority is to rehouse the thousands of homeless people resulting from the mudslides and floods. He asked if we could move people to our houses. I had to note that we had been unable to build them yet, even at the low cost of £5,000 ($6,250) due to lack of money. We can build out the village very quickly though.
We need to respond now to the need for shelter, water, food and clothing. Thousands have lost everything. We talked about some tents going up on our land and also at the government land set aside for this.
As a group with a long term plan (development), it is desperate when disaster needing an immediate response comes along. Money should not be a limiting factor in the face of this disaster but in reality it is.
I agreed to work on a relief plan for some and see if we could find the funds to deliver it. Do get in touch if you can help. If you want to give, our bank account is below and just put “SL response” in the reference.
Sort code 05-02-00
Account number 29855482
IBAN GB08YORK05020029855482
BIC YORKGB21200
Bank address
154-158 Kensington High Street, London W8 7RL, United Kingdom