It was just 6 years ago that we were describing all the wonderful organizations and fundraisers that came together to support Haiti in the wake of a devastating earthquake, and now we’re so heartbroken to be revisiting those resources once again.
As of now, 877 people are reported dead and that number is sure to grow.
877 mothers, fathers, children, partners, friends.
877 people.
According to UNICEF, that includes half a million children who live in the affected areas. They state that up to 80% of homes in the south are damaged with nearly 16,0000 people in various shelters including at least 150 schools which have been converted to provide temporary housing.
We understand there is a lot in the news right now, from tragedy in other arts of the world to shocking political scandals, and it can be hard to direct our attention in so many places at once. But please consider taking a moment to support one of these outstanding relief and humanitarian organizations with cash donations as your budget allows.
It’s important to note that as much as we all give what we can, food, clothing, medicine and children’s toys are not what’s immediately needed in these early days and can actually create more work for aid volunteers who are already overwhelmed. We’ll keep an ear out for organizations that may request goods at some point however, and update here. But for now, your own credit cards are your very best source of support.
(top photo: Logan Abassi for MINUSTH via UN Women)
Doctors Without Borders (Medicins Sans Frontiers) is always an outstanding organization to support, since they are dedicated to treating the injured with immediate needs, while trying to restore medical facilities. They currently have 4 facilities in Port-au-Prince. You can follow their updates about Haiti here.
UNICEF is on the ground in Haiti right now protecting children. They need to raise $5 million to meet children’s most pressing needs from safe water, sanitation and malnutrition, to setting up temporary educational spaces and creating child protection services to protect them from violence, exploitation and abuse.
MercyCorps is sending an emergency response team in to assist those in need in Haiti, even as they’re currently responding to urgent need requests in over 40 other countries around the globe.
Hope for Haiti did outstanding work after the 2010 earthquake, and they can use help again now. For just $100, they put together an emergency bucket containing lifesaving supplies that families need immediately including water purification tablets, matches, soap, and meal packets.
Action Against Hunger is seeking contributions to support 350,000 people who need urgent help, with immediate priorities being safe water, hygiene and sanitation. They have a direct link to earmark your donation specifically for Haiti Emergency Relief.
Photo: AP
Americares and Hope for Haiti have partnered together and are already on the ground assessing need and coordinating aid shipments.
WorldVision has set up a dedicated Hurricane Matthew Relief Fund to provide immediate relief to children and families. They recommend you also consider their Disaster Relief in the US Fund to support those here in the southeast who may be affected by Matthew as well.
Direct Relief International has pledged their entire inventory of medicines and supplies — valued at nearly $100 million — to help people affected by Hurricane Matthew, as well as pledging up to $250,000 in cash for storm response. Plus, 100% of your donation will be used toward their efforts, since their own expenses are already underwritten. Amazing.
GlobalGiving has a direct page for fundraising, with a $1 million goal. This 4-star Charity Navigator organization is working with dozens of outstanding partner organizations to make sure aid goes where it’s most urgently needed. Just $25 makes a big difference toward paying for emergency supplies.
Partners in Health is another top-rated organization, supporting 12 health centers and 10 cholera treatment centers in Haiti’s Central Region. They’re currently working to get the most supplies to those facilities despite significant obstacles, with the immediate need of delivering clean drinking water. 94% of your contribution going directly to those in need.
UN Women is mobilizing much needed relief efforts on the ground.
Also…
Charity Navigator has a dedicated Hurricane Matthew page, detailing the most highly rated charities and organizations who will be helping. It’s a good place to start, or to confirm a charity you’d like to support but may not know that well.
Center for International Disaster Information also provides a comprehensive list of charities on the ground doing that they describe as experienced, and participating directly in relief efforts. That including many we have listed here.
And please follow the @CIDIoutreach Twitter feed for up-to-the-minute updates and what to give, where, and what’s being accomplished.
Whatever it is you can contribute, whether it’s $5 or $500 or more, know it will make a significant difference in a person’s life right now.
Please note that some of the sites may be experiencing heavy traffic and slow load times. Be patient if you’re trying to visit one of these sites or their direct donation pages.
