Team deploys to Houston to take part in Hurricane Harvey response effort

GER3 is responding immediately to Hurricane Harvey with the deployment of an initial response team consisting of three assessment and programming specialists. The GER3 team is mobilizing with our vehicles and will be fully self-sufficient with the equipment (tents, food supplies, electrical supply, telecommunications equipment and three boats so we can access communities affected by Harvey) needed to be immediately operational in the affected area.

The GER3 team will be augmented as needed with other disaster response specialists and begin to identify ways in which GER3 can support the relief, recovery and reconstruction efforts. The team will meet this week with local and national emergency management officials (FEMA), the American Red Cross and other partners operating in the area to identify potential communities most in need of our support. We will then work with affected communities to understand how to best leverage the GER3 "build back, better" approach to meet needs given available resources. We will seek to respond with assistance that is needed now and then link that assistance to longer-term recovery and reconstruction support.

As with all GER3 operations we will seek to use sustainable supplies, recycle available materials and respond based on what the community actually tells us that they need. We will focus on clearing the debris left by Harvey, providing temporary facilities and immediately starting the reconstruction process with a particular focus on homes, schools and health facilities.

Our response is strengthened through our partnerships withothers. We will partner with the communities, other organizations and with those who can support GER3 with resources. At this time, all donations make a difference supporting GER3 to help people recover from Harvey and deliver impactful projects. Thank you for any support you can provide!

Crowdfunding Campaign to Raise Money for Haiti Program Extension

GER3 launches its first crowdfunding campaign to raise money for its sustainable tree recycling program in Haiti. GER3 is attempting to raise $20,000 in order to extend current operations in the Dame Marie and Abricots communities, as well as expand the program to other developing areas.

Follow the Haiti Tree Recycling program on GER3's official Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Donate at https://igg.me/at/HMSusSuogQ4

GER Haiti Tree Recycling Project

GER’s first major project as a new organization (formally launched in January 2017) is the Haiti Tree Recycling Project. GER, in partnership with the communities and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is supporting up to 10,000 Haitians affected by Hurricane Matthew with livelihood recovery through a three-month tree recycling pilot project in the Grand’Anse Department (Dame Marie and Abricots).

GER is working through an intensive community engagement process to identify the fallen trees that can be recycled into building materials that can then be used in reconstruction. Community members are trained and then work to assist in clearing areas of wood that can be used as timber for rebuilding damaged homes. Income generation and support to small enterprises in the area ensures that there are economic benefits for communities (families and small businesses) engaged in the project.