Ways to Help

People in Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the world, were suffering even before yesterday's earthquake. The most efficient way for us to help is with a cash donation to a reputable charity that is prepared to do what is needed. Here are links to donate to several such organizations, copied from a forwarded email I received from someone deeply involved in providing help for people in the developing world:

Donations to earthquake relief

Partners in Health: This is the organization co-founded by medical Anthropologist Dr. Paul Farmer (This I Believe story, Health is a Human Right) There are also links to updates on the situation.  Their main hospital is on the plateau and was not seriously damaged; they are asking for medical supplies  donate online or send your contribution to Partners In Health, P.O. Box 845578, Boston, MA 02284-5578. 

Charity Navigator has a listing of organizations at its website, including

Doctors without Borders has 800 people available to help, but is figuring out how to get mobile field hospitals there, after their three hospitals were damaged.  donate online or toll-free at 1-888-392-0392.  24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  USA Headquarters 333 7th Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY  10001-5004 

Oxfam  has 200 people on the ground in Haiti.  To support Oxfam's response in Haiti, please donate to the Haiti Earthquake Response Fund.  Donations can be made at www.oxfamamerica.org, by phone (1-800-77-OXFAM), by fax (1-617-728-2562) or by mail (Oxfam America, Haiti Earthquake Response Fund, PO Box 1211, Albert Lea, MN 56007-1211).  Oxfam Team in Place for Haiti Earthquake Response

Yele Haiti, established by singer Wyclef Jean,  or text “Yele” to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund and be paid through your cellphone bill.

Text the word HAITI to the number 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts. It'll show up on your phone bill. Or donate online at RedCross.org.

I would add that the server processing Red Cross online donations seems to be overwhelmed right now - I've tried and failed twice to get my donation to go through. I'll try again later. They also have a phone number, 1-800-RED-CROSS.

I looked into donating to Doctors Without Borders, but their minimum online donation is $35, a bit more than I can reasonably afford right now, part-time employee that I am. If you can swing it, though, I encourage you to support their good work.

Update: the donation went through on the third try. Hooray!

Oh, and let's not forget

UNICEF. Donate online to help the children of Haiti.

Which group or groups you donate to is totally up to you. But please, if you can, do something.

Karen