Citing the need to get involved, the Hispanic Faculty, Staff and Graduate Student Association is coordinating a campus relief effort to offer help to areas in Central America devastated by Hurricane Mitch. The issue is especially sensitive to the Hispanic community because many may have relatives directly affected by the hurricane. Hurricane Mitch has left at least 10,000 dead and 2 million homeless in countries across Central America. In Honduras, which was severely affected by the hurricane, flooding and mudslides caused by the storm's rains destroyed an estimated 70 percent of that nation's crops, contributing not only to an immediate crop loss but to longer-lasting problems. Honduras, one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, relies on coffee and bananas as its leading exports.
Experts predict a long-term unemployment problem because of the effects of the hurricane.
The campus organization is trying to collect donations of food, medical supplies, clothing and equipment and supplies from campus students and the community. They will give all donated items to the Council of Latino Agencies and the Washington restaurant, Casa de Pueblo, which will forward the supplies to Central America. Jones suggested that those interested also deliver donations directly to the Council of Latino Agencies, located at 2309 18th St. NW, Washington, or at the Spanish Catholic Center, located at 1618 Monroe St., NW, Washington. Those wishing to donate money to the cause can make out checks directly to the American Red Cross. The Association will be collecting donations to the relief effort through the end of November.