Haiti Earthquake Relief 2010: What You Can Do to Help
If you have a television, you have probably seen footage on the news of the tragedy that struck Haiti on January 12. The island nation, already poor and struggling, was hit by an earthquake of 7.0 magnitude. The damage was horrific, especially in the heavily populated regions with almost no standards for building codes. Schools and hospitals crumbled from the earthquake centered only ten miles from the capital and most populated city, Port-au-Prince.
Haiti lacks a sufficient infrastructure for disaster relief, but that did not stop the rest of the world from making an effort to help. Reacting swiftly, world leaders and celebrities pledged to help the relief efforts. The United Nations and World Bank have pledged $10 and $100 million to the cause, respectively. But what can me and you do to help the people of Haiti in a time of such pain and sadness?
How Can We Help?
There are several organizations accepting donations for the Haiti earthquake relief fund. Please choose one you like, and do what you can to help. There are time when we must overcome our differences and help our fellow humans, whether they be of a different race, nationality, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. We are all human, and it is in unity with each other and empathy for each other that we are most admirable.
Yele Haiti
- Yele.org
Led by Haitian musician Wyclef Jean, Yele Haiti allows you to make donations through their website or by texting "YELE" to 501 501 to make a $5 donation.
Convoy of Hope
- Providing Real Help and Lasting Hope to People in Need :: Convoy of Hope
Convoy of Hope accept donations throught their website. They are stationed near Port-Au-Prince, distributing food, water, and basic supplies to so many people who no longer have access to them.
Operation USA
- Operation Usa
Operation USA is providing medical aid, food, and water purification supplies to people in Haiti affected by the earthquake.
Direct Relief International
- Direct Relief International
Direct Relief International has already committed $1 million to the Haiti relief efforts.
American Red Cross
- American Red Cross
The American Red Cross has already pledged $200,000 and is asking for more donations to provide food, water, medicine, and other supplies to Haitians in need. You can donate through the site or by texting "HAITI" to 90999.
Other Charitable Organizations Providing Relief in Haiti
- Major Earthquake Hits Haiti, Save the Children Is On the Ground
Save the Children is verifying the safety of staff just hours after a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck near the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince. Houses are down in the area surrounding the Save the Children office, which was also damaged. - UNICEF USA
- International Medical Corps
- Doctors Without Borders | MSF USA
- Salvation Army USA
- Haiti: WFP Mobilises To Bring Food Relief After Devastating Quake | WFP | United Nations World Food
- Be the Change | Mercy Corps
- WHO | World Health Organization
How will we help?
Being disconnected physically from our fellow humans in suffering should not keep us disconnected emotionally to their pain. All around the world, efforts are being made to salvalge what remains of Haiti and to rebuild the country. Death tolls are already in the tens of thousands, with some estimates over 100,000. We may be suffering financially right now, but it is nothing compared to what the people of Haiti have gone through even prior to the earthquake. Over 3,000,000 people have been affected by this tragedy. What will you do to help?
