A Sustainable Donation: Haitian Relief Efforts

            The 7.0 magnitude earthquake that shook the country of Haiti on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, brings images and real time footage of human loss and suffering, structural damage and regional ramifications too horrifying and complex to fathom as the search and rescue efforts continue. 

            I am proud of the American citizens, and Federal government response to this unimaginable disaster.   Many want to do more and Desiree Adaway, a non-profit professional, urges us to wait in the blog post “Volunteering During Disasters”.  I agree with her.

            I believe, as do many, that the immediate relief efforts are just one piece in a large pie of needs that will exist in Haiti for possibly the next two decades.  Our commitment and contributions should be sustainable.   As the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, the complications will mount in an already difficult social, political and regional environment, and the media will not be there to capture it. 

The road to recovery and reconstruction will be long and hard, and this is where we will be able to provide more than donations.   The U.S. Haitian population is spread out widely across the nation.  We can begin the work of contacting local organizations within our communities to volunteer our service.    There are a few organizations listed below who work in Haiti long term.  They will need our help to maintain their efforts now and when the mainstream media moves on.

·      Direct Relief International – non-profit to help people who confront enormous hardship to improve the quality of their lives. 

·      Beyond Borders – non-profit for justice and peace out of devotion to Christ by fostering sharing and understanding across cultural and economic borders. 

·      Danita’s Children: Hope for Haiti Children’s Center - a non-profit organization with the intent of rescuing and caring for orphaned children, meeting their needs spiritually, physically, academically, emotionally. 

Today in Los Angeles, a meeting will be held with Congresswoman Maxine Waters and The Coalition in Solidarity regarding the emergency relief efforts in Haiti.   I will ask the question that will provide the most direct answer:  How can I help you?  

Please feel free to leave information on other organizations in or working directly in Haiti that you may have.