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HAITI – NOW, MORE THAN EVER
January 14, 2010

Now, more than ever, we need to help our neighbors in Haiti.

The 7.0 earthquake has literally devastated that nation’s capital, Port au Prince

• At least 100,000 dead or missing people.
• Human bodies – perhaps several thousand – trapped under collapsed buildings.
• Widespread homelessness.
• Reports of no food ...no medicine…no drinkable water...and no electricity.

The situation is bleak – very bleak – for our neighbors, who have long suffered at the hands of corrupt government, endemic poverty, and ruthless weather conditions. But, as is now painfully clear, the poorest nation in the hemisphere just became a whole lot poorer. In fact, this may well be Haiti’s darkest hour.

Thus far, the international community’s response has been swift and widespread. Help is coming in many forms --- search and rescue teams ... relief organizations ... media appeals … social networking. Most notably, Facebook and Twitter have been playing an invaluable role in helping Haitians to get the message out to a world seemingly eager to help.

But this crisis is only in its beginning stages, and those of us committed to providing assistance must be prepared to stay in this for the long haul. We need to act fast – today – and we must act again tomorrow and the next day and into the foreseeable future.

For starters, here are some ways in which you can provide quick, meaningful help:

• Action Against Hunger, 877-777-1420
• American Red Cross, 800-733-2767
• AmeriCares, 800-486-4357
• CARE, 800-521-2273
• Direct Relief International, 805-964-4767
• Doctors Without Borders, 888-392-0392
• Friends of WFP, 866-929-1694
• Haiti Children, 877-424-8454
• Haitian Health Foundation, 860-886-4357
• Hope for Haiti, 239-434-7183
• International Medical Corps, 800-481-4462
• International Rescue Committee, 877-733-8433
• Meds and Food for Kids, 314-420-1634
• Operation USA, 800-678-7255
• Oxfam, 800-776-9326
• Partners in Health, 617-432-5298
• Save the Children, 800-728-3843
• UNICEF, 800-367-5437
• World Concern, 800-755-5022
• World Relief, 800-535-5433
• Yele Haiti, 212-352-0552

The U.S. Department of State has also set up two important “hotlines”:

DONATIONS: By texting "HAITI" to "90999", a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts. The charge will show up on your cell phone bill.

MISSING PERSONS: To obtain information on family members in Haiti, please call (888) 407-4747.

Money. Time. Prayers. Again, now, more than ever.

Posted by Michael Kempner at January 14, 2010 10:35 AM