[sf-lug] [Fwd: Inveneo's response to the earthquake in Haiti]

[jim]

(inveneo is a san francisco group working on IT projects 
for remote, impoverished regions. below is their 
solicitation email describing what they've been doing in 
haiti and, of course, asking for donations.) 


-------- Forwarded Message --------
From: Inveneo <Inveneo at mail.vresp.com>
Reply-To: Inveneo <reply-bc359b93d5-9daf7f3ab5-6560 at u.cts.vresp.com>


January 15, 2010 
 
Dear Friends: 
 
In the wake of the disaster in Haiti, we wanted to offer our services
and expertise to help however we can. Much of the telecom infrastructure
in and around Port-au-Prince has been severely damaged or destroyed.
There is a great need for expertise in ICT to support the relief efforts
- dependable communications infrastructure is vital in emergency relief
operations to help coordination of recovery efforts.  
 
Over the last six months we had been exploring expansion into Haiti,
building relationships with nonprofits and the technical community to
expand our innovative technology model into the country. In the face of
this catastrophic earthquake, Inveneo feels an even stronger sense of
commitment to improving the lives of the Haitian people. 
 
What are we doing? 
We have been asked by NetHope, a collaboration of 28 of the world's
leading humanitarian organizations, to work with them on restoring
communications to many of their members who operate in Haiti. Together,
we have devised a plan to deploy long-distance wireless network
connectivity from VSAT links being put in place by NetHope to several of
their member NGOs operating around Port-au-Prince. This network will
support Internet access in and out of the country, carry voice
communications until the cellular networks are repaired, and allow for
collaboration and sharing of resources among NGOs. Establishment of
networks like this is a cornerstone of our core competency and provides
an avenue for us to deploy additional ICT infrastructure and participate
in longer-term capacity building and reconstruction opportunities in
country. 
 
How can you help? 
Inveneo will initially send two of our staff engineers to conduct this
deployment starting the week of January 16th. NetHope has agreed to
provide funds to cover the cost of the equipment that will be needed to
establish these links. We are making an appeal for donations to cover
other costs associated with our Haiti relief efforts. All donations will
be used only for Haiti relief efforts, including the project to get
connectivity to the major NGOs in Haiti. You can donate using PayPal or
Google Checkout. 
 
You can keep up to date on Inveneo's efforts in Haiti via RSS, Twitter,
or Facebook. 
 
Thank you for your support, 
 
The Inveneo team 
inveneoLogoOutline-r-trans.jpg 
972 mission street, 5th floor 
sf, ca 94103-2994 
http://www.inveneo.org/