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United Way Worldwide starts fund for relief efforts and rebuilding of Haiti

On the evening of January 12, 2010, a major 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti. It is the most powerful quake to hit the impoverished country in more than 200 years. The tremor struck 15km (10 miles) south-west of the capital Port-au-Prince, and was quickly followed by two strong aftershocks of 5.9 and 5.5 magnitude. Reports describe the destruction in Haiti as catastrophic with possibly hundreds of thousands dead and as many as 70 percent of the buildings destroyed including many hospitals and the international airport.

You Can Help by donating to the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund.

You can also send donations by check, with the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund referenced in either memo line or with enclosed correspondence, to the following address: United Way Worldwide, P.O. Box 630568, Baltimore MD 21263-0568.

Or you can text "HAITI" to 864833 (UNITED) to make a $5 donation to United Way Worldwide’s disaster recovery fund.

Contributions to the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund support recovery and long-term rebuilding needs of the devastated Haitian communities, as well as to meet the needs of Haitians affected by the disaster who have relocated to the USA and throughout the Caribbean.

United Way Worldwide members in the Caribbean region have mobilized their staff, volunteer leaders and resources in response.

Other Ways to Help

The Center of International Disaster Information says that "cash is best" for individuals and organizations interested in making contributions to help the victims of the earthquake.

Additionally, interested donors can visit InterAction  to view its list of credible responding agencies for international emergencies, and Give.org or Charity Navigator to get valuable information on making informed decisions when supporting charities.

• Red Cross International Response Fund
• Unicef.org
• Catholic Relief Services
• Action Against Hunger
• Habitat for Humanity
• Project HOPE
• Quisqueya International Organization Freedom & Development
• The Salvation Army
• United Nations World Food Program
• Yele, an organization set up by musician Wyclef Jean
• American Jewish World Service - Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund
• Baptist Global Response
• Christian Aid Ministries
• Compassion International
• Islamic Relief USA
• Samaritan's Purse
• World Vision
• United Methodist Committee on Relief

Immediate Disaster Relief

• Red Cross International Response Fund
• Text "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross

Find Friends & Family Members

• Americans seeking news about family members in Haiti can call 1-888-407-4747, set up by the US Department of State.
• Visit the Family Links Center at the American Red Cross SEPA Chapter at 23rd and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia.

Local Community Efforts

• Haitian Professionals of Philadelphia and Vivant Art Collection have secured a private jumbo jet to transport supplies to Haiti which is leaving in the next few days. They are in need of doctors, nurses and donations to go to Haiti in order to provide medical care. To support this effort with cash donations that will be used to purchase the medical supplies, click here.
• HPP and Vivant are currently coordinating with The Haitian Coalition of Philadelphia, the Haitian Clergy of Philadelphia, Beyond Boarders, the Mayor's Office, Temple Haitian Student Association, University of Pennsylvania Haitian Student Association, Congressman Brady's office, Philadelphia Young Democrats, political officials and other Haitian organizations in the surrounding area to devise a plan to provide assistance to Haiti.
• Supplies Needed
  • Make a monetary donation to Haitian Professionals of Philadelphia to the Haitian Relief Fund via Paypal. All funds will go towards purchasing of items that must be bought in Haiti to defray  
    shipping cost as well as medical supplies.
  • Purchase or bring cots and tents that will be instrumental in providing temporary shelter to those who have been displaced.
  • Medical supplies such as band aids, alcohol, peroxide, etc.
  • Water and non-perishable food items.
  • Generators and Industrial supplies for building will be needed for rebuilding.
  • Supplies for children such as diapers, baby clothes, wipes and bottles are of great need as well.
  • Call elected officials in your area and ask them to partner with HPP.
• Current Drop Off Sites
  • The Office of State Senator Leanna M.Washington
    1555-A Wadsworth Ave.
    Philadelphia PA 19150
  • Vivant Art Collections (Medical Supplies Only)
    60 North 2nd Street
    Philadelphia PA 19106
  • Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust
    5601 Vine Street Unit 9
    Philadelphia Pa 19139
  • The Office of State Representative Dwight Evans
    7174 Ogontz Avenue
    Philadelphia, PA 19138
  • For further information on how to help, please call Yve-Car Momperousse, HPP Board Chair at 973-280-2307 or Florcy Morisset, HPP Community Development Chair at 310-612-4636. You can also send an email here.

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