Houston resident reaches out to Haiti to find friend

Houston resident reaches out to Haiti to find friend

A former Houston resident...Valerie Michaud now lives in Haiti, but has not been heard from since the quake on Tuesday. Kofi Taharka, chairman of the National Black United Front in Houston is organizing groups to help family members get in touch with their loved ones in Haiti, as well as provide necessary supplies. Taharka is very worried today because he has not heard from his longtime friend and humanitarian Valerie Michaud. She is a mother and grandmother who has lived in Houston for many years. She moved to Haiti a few years ago to help the people of Haiti. Since the earthquake yesterday, many Houstonians have been praying and collecting supplies to send over to the country. Many have made drop offs to the multi-ethnic center in southwest Houston. They brought things such as clothing, food, and school supplies. As Taharka prays for his friend's well being, he's also planning how to help the search and rescue mission in Haiti. He is the chairman of the national black united front in Houston. He's having a meeting with other local Haitian organizations today to try and determine how to get family members here in touch with their loved ones in Haiti and how to get necessary supplies over to the country. "Some things we may take for granted or a challenge here is a double or a triple challenge for people in Haiti, but I will say this, do not underestimate the will from the people of Haiti," said Taharka.