A Chatham woman who runs an orphanage in Port-au-Prince, Haiti knows first-hand how devastating Hurricane Matthew could be for that country.
The Category 4 hurricane is expected to bring some heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding to Haiti starting this evening.
Emily Hime says many people in the country still haven't been able to rebuild their homes after a devastating earthquake hit the island in 2010.
"Most of the people have already lost their homes once or twice from other hurricanes," says Hime. "It's pretty upsetting to think about those folks that are going to, unfortunately, likely lose their homes again."
(Photo courtesy of Hime for Help via Facebook)
Hime says she is confident the orphanage she is in charge of, Maison Ke Kontan, will be able to weather the storm, but she can't say the same for many of the buildings around it. Some of the people who are at risk include several staff members who are working at the orphanage.
"Some of them will be at their homes, which might not be as sturdy and safe as ours, so we're trying to get everybody together," says Hime. "We're trying to bring in some local families that we know are likely going to lose their homes as well... we're trying to help out where we can with the short notice we've had."
Hime also has some advice for people who might be looking to give money or goods to help out after the storm passes.
"Really look into the organizations if you are hoping to donate," says Hime. "Make sure it's a grassroots organization there on the ground where you know they are doing good."
Hime says money is the most helpful thing to send to the area because physical items can get caught up in customs.
She says you can find more ideas of ways to help by contacting her through her organization Hime for Help.
You can find her website here: www.himeforhelp.org.