U.S. agency in Haiti says "No" to FEMA trailers

RV manufacturers and dealers have suggested that, instead of auctioning off thousands of RV trailers that FEMA bought for disasters, they send them to Haiti for shelters. All these trailers on the auction block are expected to reduce demand for the purchase of new RVs. Sending them to Haiti would be a good solution, in their opinion.

According to an article at CanadaEast.com, "The U.S. Agency for International Development, which is co-ordinating American assistance in Haiti, has expressed no interest in sending the trailers to the earthquake-stricken country. FEMA spokesman Clark Stevens declined to comment on the idea and said it was not FEMA's decision to make."

Several victims of formaldehyde poisoning spoke out against the move. "Just go ahead and sign their death certificate," said the son of a woman who contends his mother died from the fumes. A couple of the Haitians interviewed said they did not want them. However, Mississippi state Sen. Billy Hewes said, "If these trailers were good enough for Mississippians, I would think they were good enough for folks down in Haiti as well."

How much formaldehyde the trailers still contain is unknown. FEMA isn't testing them, only making buyers sign a statement that they will not be used for housing.

So, the controversy continues. What do you think? Should we send the trailers to Haiti? Auction them off? or what? Jaimie Hall Bruzenak

Related posts

• Send FEMA trailers to Haiti
• Opinion piece in eTruth.com on pros and cons
• Refund on formaldehyde trailers

Comments

[Mike Goad]

While formaldehyde may be an issue in the trailers, they would still provide living spaces much better -- and healthier -- than most in Haiti before the quake, I believe. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and for many, such trailers would be a step-up.

That being said, those trailers would be a horrible risk in a hurricane, of which Haiti gets more than its fair share.

[Jaimie Hall Bruzenak]

They are talking about using the trailers as temporary shelters, but I doubt there would be plans to remove them. They'd be there forever.

I hadn't thought about hurricanes. Good point.

Jaimie