6 Ways to Help Earthquake Victims in Haiti Today

Haiti was just struck by a massive earthquake. Here are some ways that you can help the Haiti earthquake victims from your own home.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on January 13 2010

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As you’re probably aware by now, on January 12th, Haiti was struck by a massive earthquake just outside the capital city of Port-au-Prince, and the situation is looking extremely grim. As many as 100,000 people may have died, and thousands of homes, buildings, schools, and hospitals have collapsed.

You’d probably love to help any way that you can, but if you’re not an aid worker stationed in Haiti, you don’t have a chance of entering the country to provide emergency relief. But even though you may not come face-to-face with the earthquake survivors, there is still much that you can do for them right from your own home. Here are some ways you can help.

Donate $10 to the Red Cross by texting “HAITI” to the number “90999.” The U.S. government established this number to make it easy for Americans to send a donation directly to a group that is working on the ground in Haiti. The money will go towards medical supplies, food, construction materials, and everything else that the survivors will need in the aftermath of this horrible disaster. To donate more than $10, text as many times as you like. You can also make an online donation through their website.

Contribute to Doctors without Borders. Medical assistance will be in steep demand in the coming days, weeks, and months in Haiti—and Doctors Without Borders has teams of doctors, nurses, and other medical staff ready to help. Their facility in Port-au-Prince was destroyed in the quake—a donation will help them get back on their feet and prepare to help the people who need their services.

Start a food drive. At least one international non-profit, Food for the Poor, is accepting donations of canned meats and fish; condensed, evaporated, and powdered milk; and bottled water to be sent to Haiti; as well as cash donations to fund relief efforts. Visit their website for more details.

Contribute to UNICEF. UNICEF has launched an emergency response team to help children affected by the earthquake. Make a tax-deductible contribution of any amount through their website.

Start a charity drive at work, and ask your employer to match what you raise. Many companies will be happy to contribute a matching donation to a relief fund in Haiti, helping you provide even more support to the country in this chaotic time.

Spread the word about ways to give. You may not be in a position to donate much money—but if you spread the word to your friends, family, and contacts, you’ll be able to help contribute far more to emergency relief funds in Haiti. After you’ve made a donation, whether it’s through the Red Cross, Doctors without Borders, or one of the dozens of other non-profit groups working on the ground in Haiti, post a message about it on your Facebook page, on Twitter, and on any other social networks you use. Your voice is the most powerful instrument you have—use it.

Filed under: Features, General Interest, Non-Profits,

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