Jan
12
(1/12/2010) As Californians we’re used to earthquakes, but not many reach the 7.0 magnitude of this afternoon’s disaster in Haiti.
Combine the huge earthquake with the poor quality of construction and readiness of the hemisphere’s poorest nation, and the projections of massive loss of life ring true.
Fortunately, helping out is as easy as a few mouse clicks. What is needed most, especially initially, are cash donations to reputable non-profits who are experienced in disaster relief.
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Here are a few links to such organizations, starting with ones which already have a web page up for Haiti relief:
Note: The 4 organizations listed below all are well known, established organizations. I’ve identified where donations appear to go. World Vision appears to be the only one with a Haiti-specific fund. In the past, some relief firms non profits have been accused of using major disasters for broader fund raising purposes. That is not necessarily a bad thing, for example when other disasters may receive less publicity, but donors need to be aware when their donations may be redirected to other needs which the organization may deem more urgent or worthy.
World Vision: A reputable Christian relief agency that lready has an office and staff in Haiti supporting their work with orphans and others in this needy country. Based in Monrovia, CA. “Donate” link goes specifically to their Haiti relief fund.
Samaritan’s Purse: A Christian relief agency founded by World Vision founder Bob Pierce and currently headed by Franklin Graham. “Donate” link goes to their “Emergency Relief Fund 1330,” unclear at this time if this is Haiti specific or more general.
American Red Cross: Has already pledged an initial $200,000. “Donate” link goes to their “International Response Fund.”
UNICEF (U.N. Children’s Fund): Focused on helping childdren, UNICEF already has an office and staff in Haiti. Donations go to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, not Haiti-specific.
From people I know who are involved in overseas disaster relief, donations of cash are the most useful, especially initially. The web now makes it possible for us to help financially at the speed of light without leaving our home or office. Previously, such instantaneous help was limited to prayer–which for many of us is still the first line of assistance. Personally, I think a dual-pronged approach works best.
After you’ve done something to help those suffering in Haiti, now might be a good time to plan to spend some time this weekend checking your earthquake preparedness supplies. Here’s a link to a handy one-page pdf Emergency Supplies Checklist prepared by the California Office of Emergency Services. If you want the ultra-short version, make sure you’ve got 3 days worth of water accessible in your back yard or patio, a flashlight by your bed, and a gallon of water and a flashlight in each car and your place of work. First aid kits, medicines, toilet paper, and food would be helpful too. When the big one hits, we could be on our own for at least 3 days.
As always, your thoughts and comments are appreciated, as well as information on and links to other worthy organizations that may be helping out, especially local ones.
Related posts:
- Japan’s Disasters: How to help
- Caught on video: How little Maggie survived the Indiana fair stage collapse
- Yes, Virginia, that was an earthquake today, 8/23/2011
- Psunday Psalm: The earthquake hymn
Comments
8 Responses to “Haiti Earthquake Relief: What we can do today”
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Nice article for those who choose to help and are looking for solid organizations. Today we should consider ourselves Haitians and help.
with a 95% rate of money donated being used for relief, may I suggest also looking at giving to Doctors Without Borders
http://doctorswithoutborders.org/
direct donations: https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=197&hbc=1&source=ADR1001E1D01
FYI,
California Task Force 5 was activated yesterday to respond to March Air Force Base to await transport to Haiti. CATF-5 is an Orange County Based FEMA Funded Urban Search and Rescue Team. The Team consists of 75 members from the Orange County Fire Authority (who serves Los Alamitos), Anaheim Fire, Orange City Fire, Santa Ana Fire, Montebello Fire and Chino Valley Fire Protection District. They also have various technical personel such as a doctor, an engineer and heavy equipment operators to assist in operating specialized equipment and to support the mission of saving lives. As a former CATF-5 Member, this is a very historic activation (1 of 4 major activations in the team’s history).
They should have local reporters traveling with them so keep an eye out for them in the local papers to see how they progress. Also, keep them in prayer as they not only have the ability to save lives but, will be put in harm’s way while doing it.
Thanks, JM & JH–
JM:
Great link. 95% of funds to relief is outstanding, and Doctors without Borders are already on the job in Haiti, and very much needed. I only had time to get a few links up on Tuesday evening, & I was looking for reputable organizations that already had a web page dealing specifically with the Haiti earthquake.
JH:
Glad our OCFA team’s involved. That’s a real win-win, as the first-hand experience gained in an earthquake situation will doubtless be extemely valuable in terms of earthquake preparation back home upon their return.
My servics could be invaluable, 25 years as concrete contractor, 20 years as a heavy equipment operator all aspects of reinforced concrete construction, if you need my help email me @ cretedog2@msn.com I am ready willing and able.
The Haitian people has my condoloences. The recent earthquake was a tragedy.
i have several relatives who were also vicitimized by the earthquake in Haiti. thank God that they were not seriously hurt. i hope and pray that Haiti would be able to recover soon from this disaster.
some of my friends who work in haiti were also victimized by that terrible earthquake.- i was very thankful that they only suffered minor scratches.