The earthquake in Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, will cause the death of so many. Estimates are now calculated at over 100,000. All major government buildings are down, the schools, the hospitals, the jails–just rubble. It makes the Katrina disaster look like a picnic by the sea.
Even before this earthquake some Haitians kill hunger pains by eating mud cakes, or mixing dirt in with cornmeal to make in last longer.
BUT! Don’t feel too overwhelmed to help.
Efforts are mobilizing: Here is a link to what is being done.
Here are a few simple ways to start helping right away:
World Relief is responding immediately –Donate now to help the most vulnerable – families and children – in the immediate aftermath. Emergency kits will be distributed that will include items such as ready-to-eat food, water and a blanket. Time is critical. You can respond with any amount you are able to give.
• Doctors Without Borders is asking for donations to help the emergency response teams in Haiti. Donate with a debit or credit card at https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org.
• The Red Cross is taking donations via text messages. Text the word HAITI to the number 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts. It’ll show up on your phone bill. Or donate online atRedCross.org.
• Operation Helping Hands, a joint community project of The Miami Herald and United Way-Miami, will be collecting donations to support the relief effort in Haiti.
To make a contribution, go to www.iwant2help.org
Checking on relatives in Haiti:
• Mercy Corps established a Haiti Earthquake Fund, PO Box 2669,Portland, OR 97208,www.mercycorps.org, 1-888-256-1900
On Twitter:
Donate $5 by texting YELE to 501501 or at www.yele.org
I will update this page, as more opportunities become known.
Leave comments if you have information or news that would be helpful. Thank you.
Please pray for the people and aid workers in this decimated country.