Nearing a death toll of 2,200 following a 7.2 magnitude earthquake last Saturday (Aug. 14), now more than ever, compassion is necessary. The western third of native Hispaniola, Haiti, has a long chronicle of overcoming. Presently, an estimated 10,000 people have been injured and are seeking medical attention, as per BBC. Relief efforts are being sought after by the newly appointed prime minister Ariel Henry. The official had not been elected for a month following the assassination of President Moise before facing the natural disaster.
The United Nations humanitarian aid U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has determined that “… 1.2 million people, including 540,000 children, have been affected by the earthquake…” in Haiti. It is vital to reiterate that the pandemic continues with new mutated COVID-19 variants such as Delta and Lambda rising, compounding intimidations against Haitians. Subsequent earthquake difficulties include but are not limited to a lack of healthcare, clean water, food, and shelter. This Caribbean population is deserving of offerings from global agencies.
Resilience cannot be all that Haitian noncombatants have to rely upon in the aftermath of prolonged devastation. The Wall Street Journal confirmed over 60,700 homes have been destroyed throughout the territory. Further, the self-liberated realm has already been subjugated to the genocide of its indigenous peoples, the required creation of the Haitian Creole language to combat French mandated slavery, and a deficit inflicted upon the island for achieving independence.
Despite a lack of essential resources, a different peril imaginably deters Haiti’s progression: Tropical Depression Grace. The storm has destroyed numerous earthquake survivors’ makeshift shelters, and neighborhoods are flooded. Rescue efforts evolve daily for the embattled community.
Take a look at five relief organizations that are helping Haitians during their time of need below.
1. CARE
CARE is a leader within a worldwide movement that “… works around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice.” Emphasizing inclusivity and sponsoring the underserved, the nonprofit’s development gears near evenhanded progress. Their 2X MATCH: Haiti Earthquake Emergency webpage ensures healthy financial backing and improves food security among Haitians.
Routinely, women and girls are prioritized at CARE with the communal notation that “… we cannot overcome poverty until all people have equal rights and opportunities.” Additional financial presentations inspire elevated instruction, with 90% of expenses going directly to program services. Moreover, potential donors receive a breakdown of what their gift provides Haiti. Among the most vulnerable earthquake survivors, CARE has pledged to offer “… water, shelter, protection against gender-based violence, and COVID-19 prevention.”
Learn more and get involved:
Website: https://www.care.org/about-us/
Phone: 800-422-7385
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/careorg/
Address:
151 Ellis Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
2. Ayiti Community Trust
The nonprofit organization Ayiti Community Trust (ACT) has a mission to “… support and sustain development innovation in Ayiti in the areas of civic education, environment, and entrepreneurship.” Previously, Ayiti leaders have taught children the concept of endowment through a three-tier system: Plant, Grow & Harvest. By mobilizing Haitians to invest in Haitian-led asset-based innovations, they encourage knowledge of self and Black business.
Currently, the Ayiti Community Trust’s Earthquake Fund has been launched to contribute relief to the archipelago. Consistent with ACT’s mission, founders and partners ensure that offerings are channeled through local Haitian groups. Donor support can be given through the organization’s “Ways To Give” portfolio or the Earthquake Relief Fund web page.
Learn more and get involved:
Website: https://ayiticommunitytrust.org/our-work/
Phone: (888) 814-1804
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayiticommunitytrust/
Donation: https://www.classy.org/give/352932/#!/donation/checkout
Address:
685 NE 126th Street
North Miami, FL 33161
3. Capracare, Inc.
The Haitian-led charity Capracare has a vision to “… give the people of Haiti the skills and confidence to build dynamic and sustainable preventive health programs.” Focusing on advancing wellness programs in rural Haiti, their team has expanded beyond implementing low-income access to preventive health care. Their partners now offer mental health services, financial payments, medical care, and health and nutrition education services.
Through their Earthquake Relief Drive and services, the locals in Fonfrède, Haiti, and beyond will be provided essential resources to strive toward eudaimonia. The charitable founder, Jean Pierre-Louis, MPH, has practice including healthcare surrounding at-risk communities and developing nations, previously including areas in Ghana. Those interested in supporting them can also join diverse ambassador programs alongside the people of Fonfrède.
Learn more and get involved:
Website: https://www.capracare.org/
Phone: (347) 723-1405
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capracare/
Donation: https://www.capracare.org/donate
Address:
P.O. Box 1408,
New York, NY 10276
4. Hope for Haiti
Hope for Haiti was founded by humanitarian and philanthropist JoAnne Kuehner. Children in southern Haiti inspired her to improve access to education in the rural neighborhoods. Thirty-two years later, the community-based mission is driven by “… the fundamental belief that there is always a pathway to a better life.” Naomi Osaka is a notable supporter.
The recent earthquake occurred near their communal space. Subsequently, a short and long-term response to the disaster was issued. A stockpile of emergency kits was prepositioned and immediately dispersed to locals in the aftermath. Daily protocols have been placed on hold, as items including antibiotics, tarp, wheelchairs, water, first aid supplies, and deworming medication are being distributed to those in need. Hope for Haiti remains at the sight of the disaster and utilizes global outreach allies.
Learn more and get involved:
Website: https://hopeforhaiti.com
Phone: 239-434-7183
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeforhaiti/
Donation: https://hopeforhaiti.com/?form=earthquake
Address:
1021 5th Ave North
Naples, FL 34102
5. Partners In Health
Partners In Health’s approach to medical science is unique with respect to affiliates’ use of sister organizations based in settings of poverty. The nonprofit’s mission is to “… provide a preferential option for the poor… and serve as an antidote to despair.” More than housing, Haitian earthquake survivors need a place to heal. The collective’s care is lifesaving worldwide.
The melding of social justice activism for marginalized people against doctoring grants a sentiment of morality that is difficult to come by. With the slogan, “We refuse to accept that any life is worth less than another,” everyday masses are not faced with systems that make already difficult circumstances worse. The team is the largest non-governmental healthcare provider in Haiti, equipped with first responders.
Learn more and get involved:
Website: https://www.pih.org/?ms=hp
Phone: (857) 880-5100
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/partnersinhealth/
Donation: https://www.pih.org/?form=Haiti-Earthquake&ms=hp
Address:
800 Boylston Street
Suite 300
Boston, MA 02199