This is the sixth diary on the earthquake disaster in Haiti. The first diary was by Dallasdoc, the second by cosmic debris, the third by Norbrook, the fourth by betson08, and the fifth by ALifeLessFrightening. 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.
The reports of the damage are horrific. Over three million people lived within a few miles of the epicenter, and the death toll is estimated to range from 50,000 to 500,000 people. This is going to be a long-term project, but the immediate need is enormous.
PLEASE RECOMMEND TO KEEP LINKS ON THE REC LIST. (As Dallasdoc noted earlier today, these links are being used not only by regular Daily Kos users, but folks who are just coming here looking for ways to help).
Previous versions of this diary (I was having trouble with hyperlinks in the intro. Prolly because I'm an idiot):
Dallasdoc
cosmic debris
Norbrook
betson08
ALifeLessFrightening
Also, as I get ready to publish this, I've learned that my dear 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.
Government Agencies
USAID - USAID Responds immediately to Haiti earthquake
UNICEF. At a glance: Haiti There is a donation page for Haiti here.
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.
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.
Secular NGOs
There are two lists of NGOs you can donate to: one on The Rachel Maddow Show website, the other at Reuters AlertNet.
Pan-American Relief PADF is the natural disaster relief arm of the Organization of American States, 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.
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.
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) MSF treats more than 1000 patients. Inflatable hospital on the way.
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 31 and counting!
Partners in Health has now started a BLOG about its efforts called Stand with Haiti. It has very useful information. Dr. Farmer was also on Campbell Brown (CNN) tonight. The video doesn't seem to have been posted yet. 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.
Portlight Strategies is gearing up to help Haitians with disabilities in the wake of the disaster.
The excellent Mercy Corps 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.
Valadon recommends 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 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
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.
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."
BCO Gal posted the Facebook Group Earthquake Haiti
Tomsank's friend who has worked in Haiti for many years recommends 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 contribute $5 send on a $5 donation on your account if you text YELE to 501501. Wyclef Jean has apparently verified this on CNN (with video). Easy and can raise a lot of money if we all do it.
PrometheusUnbound suggests 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.
Related to this kind of infrastructure support, yg17 recommends 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.
glassbeadgame recommends 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.
Mr. Rick reminds us that animals will be in trouble as well. Donations can be made to Humane Society International.
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.
parryandersuggests 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.
Hyde Parkdirects us to help HIV patients in Haiti by donating to GHESKIO through Cornell Medical School.
Religious Groups
cybernun recommends 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.
LNK recommends the Quakers' American Friends Service Committee, with its stellar track record of aid.
drmah recommends the United Methodist Committee on Relief which uses 100% of donations for relief.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is also collecting donations, and will use 100% of the donations for relief. (h/t ecologist)
Frederick Clarkson recommends Church World Service.
Dan in Illinois suggests Little by Little
Moondance suggests Presbyterian Church (USA)
Sister Havana recommends 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.
DeepHarm recommends 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.
leevank suggests IMA World Health, which is a faith based nonprofit organization that provides health care services and supplies.
AnnieJo offers a link to the Mennonite Central Committee, a relief-and-development organization with staff currently in Haiti.
The YENTA Of The Opera recommends American Jewish World Service Haiti Relief.
Abraham Running For Congress When I Turn 25 mentions 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."
aaraujo mentions Episcopal Relief & Development Haiti Fund and Anglican Relief and Development
Pam from Calif adds 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."
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)
Yesterday from Norbrook:
AmeriCares has asked to be added to this list. 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.
feralike recommends the Pan American Development Foundation.
chillindame recommends The Jean Cadet Restavek Foundation Restaveks are child slaves. This is an organization for children run by a Haitian man who is a former child slave.
Catte Nappe suggests the Salvation Army, who already has people on the ground in Haiti.
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's diary version:
• 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)
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.
glassbeadgame tells us that we "can also donate by mobile phone: text OXFAM to 25383 to make a $10 donation to Oxfam's Haiti Earthquake Response Fund."
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.
Excellent liveblog by mindoca. If you need more specific information, this is a great place to start. Mindoca has spent time in Haiti and offers a true first-hand view of disaster relief and Haiti itself.
And a ShelterBox update: I think anyone following the disaster relief efforts here on Daily Kos is now familiar with (and a fan of) the ShelterBox effort. If you're not in the know yet, go check out TexMex's first diary. TexMex has posted a third diary this morning--as of about 10:30 a.m., TexMex has lost count of how many ShelterBoxes this community has purchased. I think we can all take this as a very good sign! Latest count in the comments is that thirty-one ShelterBoxes have been purchased (at a cost of $1,000 each), and the total dollar amount is still on the rise (I can't keep up; since I wrote this, but before I could post it, the number of boxes bought has changed!). This is nothing short of amazing!
By dharmafarmer, a photo diary on relief efforts.
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."
Update from Deep Harm in the comments (previous version of this diary): The Embassy of Haiti in DC is organizing a survival kit drive for items to be sent to Haiti.
The Embassy of Haiti in Washington, D.C., will accept goods in connection with a Survival Kit Drive by the National Organization for the Advancement of Haitians (NOAH), this Sunday, January 17, from 11 am to 4 pm. (Please deliver only items on the list.] Additional information, including address, telephone numbers, at the link above.
See Deep Harm's comment or the link in the quote above for more information.
From comments this diary:
Scioto provides helpful information about the circumstances under which various credit card fees may be waived for charitable donations.
Cany wants us to remember the animals in Haiti and suggests United Animal Nations.
JekyllnHyde shares an e-mail from Al Gore in support of Oxfam (linked above under "Secular NGO's).
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 updated as necessary/possible. And, 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.
