U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee wants Houston residents to help Haiti

Hurricane Matthew has killed at least 1,000 people in Haiti. Many survivors are in desperate need of basic necessities like food, shelter and clean water. Now, a cholera outbreak is rippling throughout the island nation, threatening the lives of millions as it spreads through small towns where people don't have beds to lie their head upon.

Now, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee wants Houston residents to help.

"They need water -- the cholera epidemic is out of control," said U.S. Rep. Jackson Lee on Wednesday. "People are being buried in mass graves... reports have come out of Haiti that mothers and children are without food."

Rep. Jackson Lee was surrounded by civic and faith leaders at Interfaith Ministries. The group is calling on the community to deliver linens, non-perishable food items and medical supplies to Haiti.

The list of needed supplies includes non-perishable food items, medical supplies, bottled water, bedding (including unused pillows and sheets) and sneakers.

Supplies can be dropped off at any of the locations below:

  • The LUKE 2380 South Houston Avenue Houston, TX 77396  
  • INTERFAITH MINISTRIES 3202 San Jacinto Houston, TX 77004  
  • Houston Food Bank 535 Portwall Street Houston, TX 77029  
  • Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church 3826 Wheeler Avanue Houston, TX 77004  
  • The Community of Faith Church World Headquarters 1024 Pinemont Drive" Houston, TX 77091

"We understand it is our Christian responsibility to feed the hungry and to take care of those who are devastated," said Dr. Marcus D. Cosby.

"It breaks my heart -- Haiti, once upon a time, was one of the most beautiful places in the world," said J. Sadrague Gius, who was born in Haiti but now resides in Houston. "I want people to not give up on Haiti, I want them to pray for Haiti,"