Congressman Stephen F. Lynch joined Brockton Mayor Linda Balzotti, State Senator Tom Kennedy and State Representative Michael Brady on Sunday, January 17th for a community meeting and information session on the rescue and relief operations underway in Haiti. Representatives from the United States Coast Guard, the Red Cross and the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services gave updates on the current situation and offered information to those who have been impacted by the earthquake and have family or loved ones living or travelling in Haiti.

“There is a large Haitian community throughout the Ninth Congressional District and we were able to reach out today to those who have been impacted by this devastating tragedy,” Congressman Stephen F. Lynch. “My thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti and the Haitian American community here in the Ninth Congressional and across the country.”

Approximately 450 people attended the meeting which was held at Christ the King Parish in Brockton. Captain Joe McGuiness of the United States Coast Guard, Valerie Navy-Daniels, Chief of Development and External Relations for the Massachusetts Chapter of the Red Cross and Denis Riordan, District Director of the District Office of the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services provided updates to the attendees and were available for a question and answer session following the speaking program.

“The timing of the meeting was critical and provided useful information,” Mayor Linda Balzotti said. “I would like the Haitian community in Brockton to know that my office and the City of Brockton stand ready to assist them with whatever relief efforts we can.”

“This meeting was timely and well-attended which means it was necessary. It was critical to get families information on their loved ones and put them in touch with the appropriate agencies,” Senator Tom Kennedy.

“I want to thank the Coast Guard, U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services, and the Red Cross for offering an update on the situation in Haiti and offering resources that can offer assistance,” Representative Michael Brady said. “We are going to continue to work together to help families in need in Brockton and the surrounding communities.”

“I am very thankful to Father O’Donnell and the Christ the King Parish for their assistance with the community meeting,” Congressman Lynch added. “I am heartened by the outpouring of support and sympathy for those affected by the earthquake. My office is here to help in whatever way possible.”

If you need assistance or have any questions or concerns, you can contact Congressman Lynch’s Boston Office at 617-428-2000 or Brockton Office at 508-586-5555.

If you would like to help, you can donate to www.clintonbushhaitifund.org <https://www.clintonbushhaitifund.org/> or www.redcross.org <https://www.redcross.org/>.

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