Their lives have been quite unsettled for the past week, however, as they continue to search by cell phone for family members unaccounted for since the earthquake.

Some have now been heard from, Kathy said yesterday. Still missing are a niece and two 30-year-old nephews who were all at work at the time of the disaster. Another nephew's family is in dire straits.

"My nephew's wife, she has a little baby. But they have no house. She just lives on the street with her husband. They have no food, no water for three days now," Kathy said. She's told that milk, rice, beans, fish, some other meats and diapers are available to those with the money to purchase them, but since the quake there is no way to receive funds or make withdrawals from banks.

"They have nothing. They have the clothes on their backs and that's all," Kathy said.

The family's hope is that money donated from friends and a church event Jan. 30 could be taken by Elser directly to her family's community near Port-au-Prince.

"We can't send money any other way, because the banks are closed. But if Elser goes, he also knows where the community is so he can take it directly to them," Kathy said.

The Capres are turning their attention to friends and members of their church, St. John's United Church of Christ, Elkhart, who seem willing to provide money for her and Elsner's families.

Communication between the Capres and their families is spotty, but does continue. One family member has a working cell phone but it's in high demand.

"He has to loan, you know, to many, many people to call their families. And he has to buy minutes and there is no money. That's why some people are going to die from this," Kathy said.

CHILI SUPPER

St. John's has scheduled a benefit chili supper to help raise money for the relief effort. From 5 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 30, visit the church for chili, crackers and a drink. Cost is $5 per person and additional monetary donations will be accepted. Donation checks may be made out to Harvest of Haiti or to St. John's UCC.

All money collected will be given to Harvest of Haiti, an organization run by Elser's brother, Bishop Stenio Capre. St. John's pastor has confirmed the work of the organization, according to Lori Beber of St. John's. The organization can be found online at www.harvestofhaiti.org.