News is trickling in from Haiti, where a major earthquake and ensuing tremors has closed roads and crumbled buildings. The News Hub panel gets an update from Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Haiti Survivors Desperately Wait for Aid
Two days after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, destruction is widespread and survivors wait in desperation as international aid teams begin arriving. WSJ's Charles Forelle reports from Port-au-Prince.
Haiti Quake Survivors Speak
WSJ's Charles Forelle speaks with survivors of the Jan. 12, 2010, earthquake in Haiti.
How you can help:
The International Red Cross estimates 3 million people may be in need of help. Current death toll estimates are 50,000+. The White House has set up a webpage with information on how to help. Americans who need information about family members in Haiti have been asked to call (888) 407-4747 (888) 407-4747, a line set up by the State Department.
Please help Planet Voodoo help MercyCorps raise much needed funds for Hait:
Habitat for Humanity has been working in Haiti for 26 years, and will be sending a team to assess the impact on affordable housing after the earthquake. To make a donation, go here;
Mercy Corps has a way for you to donate your money straight to their efforts in Haiti, and Unicef also has a donation site set up;
Project HOPE, which provide medical supplies and health care services to those in need, is seeking donations for their aid efforts in Haiti;
The United Nations World Food Program has teams "already on the scene, mobilizing emergency food assistance to families." To support these efforts, you can make an emergency donation here;
Yele, an organization set up by musician Wyclef Jean, a native Haitian, is an additional option.
Faith-based organizations:
American Jewish World Service is collecting donations for its "Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund," which will help "their network of grantees in Haiti to meet the urgent needs of the population based on real-time, on-the-ground assessments;"
Baptist Global Response, which coordinates the mercy efforts of the Southern Baptist Convention, is sending a team from Florida to help for its initial outreach. In addition to donations, the organization asks that concerned individuals join in focused prayer for Haiti's 9 million people;
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has made an initial commitment of 5 million dollars for immediate use in the relief effort. According to their press release, the CRS offices in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, "were shaken, with some damage to the compound walls, but there were no injuries in the building." Donations can be made via their website or by phone at 1-877-HELP-CRS 1-877-HELP-CRS 1-877-HELP-CRS ;
Christian Aid Ministries, an Amish-Mennonite organization, has had staff and a distribution network in Haiti for over 20 years. To help earthquake survivors, they are providing search and rescue operations, emergency supplies such as medicines and food, and later on rebuilding of houses. Donations are being accepted through mail or credit card;
Compassion International, the world's largest Christian child development program, serves 64,000 sponsored children in Haiti, most near the earthquake zone. Their website allows donors to earmark contributions for Haiti;
Islamic Relief USA, in coordination with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is flying a $1 million shipment of aid to Haiti. To donate to their "Haiti Emergency" fund, visit their website or call (888) 479-4968;
The Lutheran Church Missouri -- Synod along with their mercy arm, LCMS World Relief and Human Care, announced it was making an initial grant of tens of thousands of dollars available to meet emergency needs. Support their efforts by making a donation here;
Operation Blessing International also has disaster relief teams on the way. A donation of $50 or more will bring emergency food, water, medicine and more to the quake victims;
The Salvation Army is also sending personnel and supplies to assist in the relief effort, and is in need of donations;
Samaritan's Purse, the international aid and development group headed by Rev. Franklin Graham, landed a medical supplies flight with teams of emergency medical workers Wednesday morning and will begin pouring in additional aid as needs become clear.
World Vision, a Christian humanitarian charity organization, is also working to help children and families devastated by the quake. To learn more about their efforts and to donate, visit their website.
The fastest way to donate may be by text. Here are several options:
Text HAITI to 864833 to donate $5 to United Way Worldwide's disaster fund for long-term recovery.
Might I also suggest that each person light a vigil candle for the victims of Haiti and repeat the prayer to Papa Legba provided courtesy of H'ougan Liam for 9 days or longer if you can.
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