Haiti Relief

The tragedy of the earthquake in Haiti has been in my thoughts & prayers a lot the past few days.  Especially learning that people I knew at GU had family members who died in Haiti while there working in missions and orphanages.  The devastation is enormous there, and I ask that you keep the victims, their families, and those working to help in the emergency relief in your prayers.  The earthquake is over, but there is still a lot of chaos and suffering happening.   Most of the people in Haiti were already living in extreme poverty prior to the earthquake, and now that many of the buildings are destroyed they have no access to water or food or shelter.  The emergency resources for medical help and other necessities are limited and there many many people that need help.  This will be a very hard and long road of recovery for these people and this country; most people there have been affected by the loss of at least one family member.  

If you are looking for ways to help, there are many places you can donate.  There has been a large number of people who have been donating via text messages on their phone, but the problem with this method is that the money will not go to the organizations that are helping those in Haiti until you pay your next phone bill...that could be a whole month, depending on when your billing cycle ends.  If you would like to donate money and have it go towards help and resources immediately, then there are other options online.  Also, be careful of the organizations that you donate money to online, as there are reports of scans going on.  Try to stick to organizations that are well-known.  

Below I have listed organizations that I know have direct donation sites for Haiti and are reputable organizations (just to clarify, there are plenty of other organizations out there, and I do not endorse one over the other - any relief that goes to helping those in Haiti is wonderful!).  We personally donated to Catholic Relief Services, but feel free to donate to the organization that you are most comfortable with, as the money is all going to the people who need it most: the Haitians. Next to the organizations I have provided links to the direct page to donate specifically to the Haiti Relief Fund, so all you have to do is click on the "Haiti Donation" link next to the organization of your choice.  If you can't afford to donate money, there are local organizations in communities across the U.S. that are putting together packages and resources to send to Haiti, and they can all use volunteers.  If you have skills that can be used in Haiti (like EMT/firefighter/medical, etc.), you could contact a group if you want to go to Haiti and help the people directly.  Even if you can't get involved in any of the ways I just listed, your support and prayers will also do a great deal for these people in Haiti.   Thank you!

"Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person." 

- Mother Teresa

Here are the organizations/links :

American Red Cross - Haiti Donation 

Catholic Relief Services - Haiti Donation  

UNICEF USA - Haiti Donation 

Heifer International - Haiti Donation 

Mercy Corps - Haiti Donation  


Doctors Without Borders - Haiti/On-going Medical Help Donation

The Pope's Prayer for those in Haiti:

"God of all creation, as we weep with our family in Haiti, console us. In this time of crisis, open our eyes to look beyond the disaster to see Christ in our brothers and sisters in Haiti, as Christ sees us. Be with us as we stand in solidarity with those living and working in Haiti. Be with us in our mourning and guide our efforts to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, comfort the grieving and stand for justice. With your mercy, sustain us at this time as we continue to work for peace and justice. Amen.

For the Haitian people, that help comes to them quickly and comfort comes to those who hurt. Lord, hear our prayer.

For the lost or buried, that they are found and reunited with their loved ones.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For the relief workers, that they have the tools they need, the courage and the strength to respond fully.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For the families in Haiti and in the United States who are waiting to hear from loved one, that good news comes to them.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For those whose who have perished, may their souls rest with you, O Lord, where they will find eternal love.

Amen."