This is the fifteenth diary on the earthquake disaster in Haiti. The first diary was by Dallasdoc, previous diaries linked below The idea is to keep resources visible and easily available for those wishing to donate to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.
The following is a comprehensive list of disaster relief links compiled, edited, and updated by the previous diarists. I will update or edit as necessary, but this list exists thanks to hard work of these folks as well as many other members of the Daily Kos community via comments in previous diary versions.
PLEASE RECOMMEND TO KEEP LINKS ON THE REC LIST. (As Dallasdoc noted earlier, these links are being used not only by regular Daily Kos users, but folks who are just coming here looking for ways to help).
We've all been watching the reports from Haiti. The situation is still chaotic, aid is coming in, but there are enormous difficulties. Once the immediate needs have been met, the long-term ones will start.
Anyone wishing to help continue this series should leave a note in the comments and I will publish the schedule at the end of this diary..
Previous versions of this diary :
- Dallasdoc
- cosmic debris
- Norbrook
- betson08
- ALifeLessFrightening
- swampus
- Norbrook
- Jimdotz
- Dallasdoc
- marabout40 Note: These last two diaries discuss ways to improve and/or focus our fundraising efforts as a community.
Also, swampus's friend Cliff Landis has decided to provide matching funds for cash donations up to $10,000 total. Cliff is a Librarian and this means that he will be donating his entire savings. If you're tight on cash and would like to turn a $25 donation into a $50 dollar donation, check out his Partners in Health page. UPDATE: All you wonderful folks have made Cliff reach the match goal of $10,000. He will now be draining his bank account thanks to all the donations!
Kossack edumgr has been inspired by this, and will be matching up to $1000 from his donation site for PIH Cliff met his goal, edumgr hasn't, so go to his page to donate to PIH. Update: Another Kossack provided the donation putting this one at its goal mark too. Congratulations
New:Crisis Commons is organizing for Crisis Camp Haiti. CrisisCommons brings together domain experts, developers, and first responders around improving technology and practice for humanitarian crisis management and disaster relief. h/t to Buffalo Girl
New: There is a new Wordpress blog serving as a portal for ALL Haiti earthquake-related information. It's called Haiti Haiti. H/T Deep Harm. It even has great maps.
If you're wondering why things are taking so long to get in and out of the airport, read this wonderful diary Airport Ground Operationsby Question Authority, which was rescued tonight.
Government Agencies
USAID - USAID Responds immediately to Haiti earthquake
UNICEF. At a glance: Haiti There is a donation page for Haiti here. UPDATE: Glitterscale, in the comments, forwarded an email in which UNICEF announced they have been charged with leading all water, sanitation and hygiene efforts. That's a big order.
United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund, with donations here. (h/t aaraujo)
World Food Programme Update: See ImpeccableLiberalCredentials' diary on behalf of Friends of the World Food Program and the United Nations World Food Programme's pledge to feed 2 million people.
The State Department has set up another cellphone donation link: Text "HAITI" to 90999 and you will be charged for a $10 donation to relief efforts.
Americans seeking info on family members in Haiti, call 888-407-4747. An e-mail address has been set up as well, along with information for making inquiries. Please check the State Department's site for the proper information.
Pan-American Relief PADF is the natural disaster relief arm of the Organization of American States' Pan-American Development Fund. It has more than 150 people working Haiti on economic development, disaster mitigation and protecting human rights. PADF is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization based in Washington, D.C.
Disasters Emergency Committee is the umbrella group for Great Britain, which the British government is asking their citizens to donate to. (h/t NY brit expat)
Center for International Disaster Information has information on the humanitarian disaster, with links. There's an answer to the questions as to whether or not to give donations of goods. For the public, the answer is no, cash is better. (h/t dibsa)
Below is the compilation of both secular and religious-based organizations. It has been suggested, and wisely so, to do your research before donating. The Charity Navigator tool is a useful resource for this purpose. For those not familiar, Charity Navigator evaluates and rates charities according to their financial responsibility and sustainability. Their homepage now lists comprehensive information the major organizations on the ground in Haiti now. (h/t DeepHarm and deb s) An additional resource for researching charities is the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance site.
There have been a number of misunderstood messages, rumors, or outright hoaxes circulated. If something sounds "too good to be true" or you have questions about it, Snopes has a Haiti page to verify or debunk them.
Secular NGOs:
There are two lists of NGOs you can donate to: one on The Rachel Maddow Show website, the other at Reuters AlertNet.
AmeriCares Their donation page is here. AmeriCares restores health and saves lives by delivering donated medicines, medical supplies and humanitarian aid to people in need around the world and here at home.
Direct Relief International sent a 40-foot container of ongoing aid the day of the earthquake. Direct Relief works with Partners in Health (see below) and their efforts will concentrate on rebuilding hospital infrastructure. h/t Dallasdoc for update.
Oxfam International provides assistance to victims of emergencies and ongoing disasters throughout the world. They are mobilizing to provide emergency assistance to victims in Haiti, and your donations will also help people in places like Darfur as well. This is the direct link to support Oxfam's Haiti relief effort. Update: Dallasdoc in the comments tells us that a BBC report says that Oxfam will be focusing on clean water and sanitation--clean water will, obviously, be one of the most important needs. JekyllnHyde shares an e-mail from Al Gore in support of Oxfam.
Doctors Without Borders (aka Medecins Sans Frontieres or MSF) is an international group of medical professionals who work in chronically underserved countries, emergency sites and refugee camps around the world. Here is the latest news of their work in Haiti from their site, MSF Teams Set up Clinics to Treat Injured After Facilities Are Damaged. ***Update (h/t NY brit expat) Inability to get new staff and supplies a serious problem.
CARE is one of the world's largest private international humanitarian organizations. They were already in Haiti, and CARE is deploying additional emergency team members to the devastated city of Port-au-Prince in Haiti.
The International Committee of the Red Cross is of course a standby of emergency response throughout the world. Though the American Red Cross took a hit for administrative costs in the wake of Katrina, few NGOs have the reach or the resources of the ICRC.
ShelterBox USA, which provides prepackaged shelter. TexMex is coordinating an impressive effort to drive donations to ShelterBox. As of posting, the number of ShelterBoxes purchased by Kossacks is 72 and counting! (Updated 1/16/10 with a new diary link)
Partners in Health has now started a BLOG about its efforts called Stand with Haiti. It has very useful information. Partners in Health is also putting out a call for health volunteers, in case you are a medical professional who can help out that way:
We are deeply grateful for the multitude of people who have contacted us wanting to provide medical assistance. As patients flood to our sites from Port-au-Prince, we're finding ourselves in need of both medical personnel and supplies. In particular, we need surgeons (especially trauma/orthopedic surgeons), ER doctors and nurses, and full surgical teams (including anesthesiologists, scrub and post-op nurses, and nurse anesthetists). If you are a health professional interested in volunteering, please send an email to volunteer@pih.org with information on: Your credentials Language capabilities (Haitian Creole or French desired) Overseas experience (if any) Any prior experience in emergency/post-disaster relief efforts Availability Contact information As phone lines in Haiti remain down and transportation and communication are difficult, PIH is still in the process of determining where we can set up operations in Port-au-Prince, and how we can transport patients and volunteers to our sites. We will be able to offer more concrete information after these logistical matters are resolved. Once again – thank you for your support. Kenbe fèm.
Mercy Corps is an excellent organization that is preparing an aid mission. Mercy Corps also allows you to donate through PayPal, Google Checkout and Amazon Payments, if this helps.
Save The Children has been working in Haiti since 1985. It has provided emergency relief and assistance to Haitian children and families following various recent disasters, including hurricanes and floods, and they are once again mobilizing.
Portlight Strategies is gearing up to help Haitians with disabilities in the wake of the disaster.
New: Another organization, The Honor and Respect Foundation, was described in a story on Narconews, called Getting Help to Haiti. The foundation was created by journalist Reed Lindsay, who is now Telsur's D.C. Bureau Chief, for children who couldn't get into other schools. Their website says that it "seeks to establish funds in support of several specific programs carried out by grassroots groups in the poorest neighborhoods of Port-au-Prince." I have a phone number for a contact there and will get direct information tonight.
ht to parryander and AntKat for recommending Pure Water for the World, which already has a presence in Haiti and is partnered with USAID to provide clean drinking water to the people of Haiti.
California Nurses Association call for volunteers. Another good link is the National Nurses United In addition: * @NationalNurses on twitter or by following: #haitiRN * Call the RNRN hotline: 1-800-578-8225 * Support the RNRN/NNU disaster relief effort in Haiti by donating at Send A Nurse or by sending checks c/o California Nurses Foundation, 2000 Franklin St., Oakland, CA 94612. Charitable contributions will be used to pay for travel/related costs and medical supplies for volunteer RNs on their emergency nursing mission in Haiti. (h/t Valadon)
TÉLÉCOMS SANS FRONTIÈRES. Communications infrastructure has been completely destroyed and helping to bring that back online will be a huge help to recovery efforts and to allow Haitians to get in touch with family they may have elsewhere in the world. (h/t yg17)
The International Medical Corps. It is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs. Donations can be made here. (h/t glassbeadgame)
Healing Hands for Haiti (a physical rehab and prosthetics organization based in Port au Prince), Lamp for Haiti, and a group that umbrellas several projects called Healing Haiti. parryander has personal experience with these groups, so I suggest checking out their comments.
Saint Damien Hospital Haiti is the only free pediatric hospital in Haiti.
I know there is extensive damage at our new hospital, that the perimeter walls of all three of our Tabarre programs have fallen. I know there is damage to the hospital walls
Donations may be made through this page. (h/t parryander)
AARP Foundation has a matching gift program going: (h/t Terre)
In response to this tragedy in Haiti, AARP Foundation is proud to be working with HelpAge USA and its international parent organization HelpAge International, to rush emergency relief to the older and aged victims of the quake. AARP will match any gift you make to the AARP Foundation Haiti Relief Fund dollar for dollar up to $500,000. Any amount you give will be automatically doubled and go twice as far to provide relief.
Help HIV patients in Haiti by donating to GHESKIO through Cornell Medical School. (h/t Hyde Park)
Zanmi Lakay is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for current and former street children in Haiti by providing educational and economic opportunities and resources to help these children while they are on the streets and to help build a life for them off the streets. A Pacifica-based photographer who has been working in Haiti for years is planning to return next week, so donations will go straight to those who need it.
Facebook Group Earthquake Haiti (h/t BCO Gal)
Animals will be in trouble as well. Donations can be made to:
Humane Society International, (h/t Mr. Rick)
United Animal Nations. (h/t cany)
World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPCA) (h/t triciawyse)
Long-term Development and Recovery NGO's
Heifer International. Though not first responders, this group does long term infrastructural work. HI currently has 16 projects under way with more than 16,000 families and several farmer associations. The projects in Haiti, which are scattered around the country, with none close to Port-au-Prince, range from training in sustainable farming and crop diversity to gifts of livestock, seeds, trees and grains to training in nutrition, aquaculture and fish production. (h/t PrometheusUnbound)
The Lambi Fund, a secular non-profit nonprofit whose mission is "to assist the popular, democratic movement in Haiti. Its goal is to help strengthen civil society as a necessary foundation of democracy and development. The fund channels financial and other resources to community-based organizations that promote the social and economic empowerment of the Haitian people." They support "projects that embrace the following principles: non-violent, non-partisan, community-based, promoting the advancement of women, using education and training for empowerment, and promoting the overall democratic movement."
Konpay is associated with the journalist Reed Lindsay. It focuses on Haitian solutions to environmental, social and economic problems and provides training and funding to grassroots and community-based projects. KONPAY is supporting Haitian-led efforts to reforest Haiti and protect the environment.
The Jean Cadet Restavek Foundation. Restaveks are child slaves. This is an orgnization for children run by a Haitian man who is a former child slave.
FINCA International is a microfinance organization whose mission is to provide financial services to the world's lowest-income entrepreneurs so they can create jobs, build assets and improve their standard of living. They have a presence in Haiti already and are taking donations for relief. (h/t calNM)
Architecture for Humanity is going to be primarily working in the reconstruction phase of post disaster situations and will be focused on transitional and permanent housing and community structures. We are partnering with AIDG, Yele Haiti and other local group by supplying them pro bono construction and design professionals, setting up community housing resource centers and support in the design and building of earthquake resistant structures.
Yele Haiti is a grassroots movement that builds global awareness for Haiti while helping to transform the country through programs in education, sports, the arts and environment. Yéle’s community service programs include food distribution and mobilizing emergency relief. Grammy-Award winning musician, humanitarian and Goodwill Ambassador to Haiti Wyclef Jean founded Yéle Haiti in 2005. Cell carriers will send on a $5 donation on your account if you text YELE to 501501. Update 01/16/10: Some questions have been raised about this charity. I'm leaving it in the links, but you may want to proceed with caution. (Norbrook)
Fonkoze, a micro-lending organization in Haiti. From their Web site:
Fonkoze is Haiti’s Alternative Bank for the Organized Poor. We are the largest micro-finance institution offering a full range of financial services to the rural-based poor in Haiti. Fonkoze is committed to the economic and social improvement of the people and communities of Haiti and to the reduction of poverty in the country.
According to their Web site, their offices have taken quite a hit. This is another one in the category of long-term rebuilding. (h/t parryander and dizzydean)
Religious Groups:
Two faith groups already on the ground in Haiti: Catholic Relief Services and World Vision, where you can also sponsor a Haitian child under their care. (h/t cybernun)
The Quakers' American Friends Service Committee, with its stellar track record of aid. (h/t LNK)
The United Methodist Committee on Relief which uses 100% of donations for relief. (h/t drmah)
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is also collecting donations, and will use 100% of the donations for relief. (h/t ecologist)
Church World Service. (h/t Frederick Clarkson)
Little by Little, (h/t Dan in Illinois)
Presbyterian Church (USA)
The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, which has started a Haitian Earthquake Relief Fund. According to the website, 100% of funds collected will go to aid - JUF will absorb all administrative costs. (h/t Sister Havana)
Convoy of Hope a nonprofit that networks with churches in the community where need exists. Provides necessities like food and water. Has Charity Navigator's highest rating year after year and was already in Haiti when the earthquake struck. (h/t DeepHarm)
The Salvation Army, who already has people on the ground in Haiti. (h/t Catte Nappe)
IMA World Health, which is a faith based nonprofit organization that provides health care services and supplies. (h/t leevank)
The Mennonite Central Committee, a relief-and-development organization with staff currently in Haiti. (h/t AnnieJo)
American Jewish World Service Haiti Relief. (h/t The YENTA Of The Opera)
Mission's Door which has facilities and operations in Haiti. If interested they have a donation page here, if you want donations to go to Haiti click "Haiti Earthquake Relief Project." (h/t Abraham Running For Congress When I Turn 25)
Episcopal Relief & Development Haiti Fund and Anglican Relief and Development (h/t aaraujo)
International Orthodox Christian Charities. "IOCC in the spirit of Christ's love offers emergency relief and development programs to those in need worldwide, without discrimination, and strengthen the capacity of the Orthodox Church to so respond." (h/t Pam from Calif)
The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee is also taking donations. "UUSC advances human rights and social justice around the world, partnering with those who confront unjust power structures and mobilizing to challenge oppressive policies." (h/t antimony)
TEXT a Donation:
Lots of ways to donate by text. This is a quick, easy way to donate; the donations are simply added to your cell phone bill, and the amounts are small and possibly a more affordable option for many. NPR did a storyyesterday on donating via text--The Red Cross alone reports $4.7 million dollars in text message donations for Haitian relief thus far! Here's a list of ways to donate via text, from betson08, with update by thebluecrayon:
• Text the word "Yele" to 501501 to donate $5 on behalf of the Yele Haiti Foundation, founded by Haitian musician Wyclef Jean. (this is probably the most popular one judging by Twitter and Facebook today)
• Text the word "Haiti" to 85944 to donate $5 to the Rescue Union Mission and MedCorp International.
• Text the word "Haiti" to 25383 to donate $5 to the International Rescue Committee.
• Text the word "Haiti" to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross.
• Text Haiti to 52000 to donate $10 to the Salvation Army. You can do it up to three times (no need to send STOP message)
• Text OXFAM to 25383 to make a $10 donation to Oxfam's Haiti Earthquake Response Fund."
• Text HAITI to 864833 The United Way Donates $5
• Text CERF to 90999 The United Nations Foundation Donates $5
• Text DISASTER to 90999 Compassion International
• Text HAITI to 20222 The Clinton Foundation Donates $10
Note: Someone mentioned texting the word "STOP" after sending a text donation to avoid a recurring fee on your cell phone bill--however, I don't know if anyone has confirmed whether this is necessary in all cases. Something to keep in mind if you text donations.
If you have iTunes, Apple has a link set up where you can donate $10 to $100 dollars instantly. (h/t Brainwrap)
Other news and diaries:
An update to the previous diary version that really highlights the effectiveness of this community in times of crisis like this:
This social network fundraising effort is attracting the attention of other media. The Dallas Morning News contacted Dallasdoc today:
Tonight I had a conversation with a reporter from the Dallas Morning News, who noted our efforts to raise money for the victims in Haiti and emailed me because of my screenname. I had a long chat with him in which I extolled the good heart and caring nature of the people in this community. "We are liberals and progressives, we are interested in politics because we care about people," I told him. I described how this community responded to a simple appeal with incredible energy and self-sacrificing generosity, and that after five years here I had expected no less of us. He was impressed, and is working on an article about how new media and social networking sites are mobilizing to help the Haitians. He got the idea for that article from us.
There are two excellent liveblogs by mindoca. This is the first one and this is the second. If you need more specific information, these are a great place to start. Mindoca has spent time in Haiti and offers a true first-hand view of disaster relief and Haiti itself.
By dharmafarmer, a photo diary on relief efforts.
Scioto provides helpful information about the circumstances under which various credit card fees may be waived for charitable donations.
VA gentlewoman has a diary about the infrastructure details for Haiti.
The now requisite warning:
This was on MSNBC, and in our urge to help, we should also remember to be careful:
The FBI, Better Business Bureau and software security companies Wednesday all warned Internet users to exercise caution before opening their wallets to organizations claiming to be charities that will send financial assistance to Haiti. "Apply a critical eye," said the FBI in a statement, and do "due diligence before responding to those requests."
Thank you for your reads, recs, and donations. If anyone has any additional information, updates, or corrections, please comment--the comments in all of the diary versions thus far have been gold mines of information. It would be impossible to incorporate all of the information gathered in the comments into the diary, but I will update as necessary/possible.
If you would like to keep this list of links visible, please consider volunteering to post a diary so we can keep this effort going. As the previous diarists have done, I will forward the source code for all of the links to the person who offers to post the next diary.