An earthquake struck Haiti early Saturday morning, destroying buildings and and streets. Two days later, on Monday, tropical storm Grace swept across the island nation, hampering rescue efforts with flash floods and roads turned into river.
The quake, which measured at 7.2, is larger than the 2010 quake that flattened much of the county’s infrastructure. Haiti was still in the process of rebuilding from the first quake, hampered by political unrest which culminated recently with the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. So far, over 10,000 injured and more than 2,000 dead have been reported. The already-impoverished country is in need of aid.
Here is a shortlist of organizations that have history and a proven track record of providing aid in the country:
UNICEF has already sent more than 20,000 medical kits with more supplies on the way. They focus on families with children in need.
Partners in Health has been in Haiti since the 2010 Earthquake, working with Haiti’s Minister of Public Health. They have sent surgeons and equipment.
Health Equity International is a part of the operation of Saint Boniface Hospital, which is only an hour away from the epicenter of the quake. The hospital took no major damage but is utterly overloaded and urgently needs donations to remain able to take in new patients.
Hope for Haiti’s focus is reducing poverty, but through this crisis, they have pivoted to short-term relief efforts, including supplying medical needs and water filtration.
SOIL is a sanitation charity that responds to clean water and waste management needs after disasters, helping to prevent cholera outbreaks and the other long-term consequences of people not having clean water.
Medecins Sans Frontieres / Doctors Without Borders is one of the most well-known medical charities in the world. They also already have a presence in Haiti and are soliciting donations to bring more medical equipment to help care for the many who have been seriously injured.
When donating to efforts, be sure to keep a watch out for scam charities or well-meaning but ineffective funds rising up in the wake of this crisis (as in every crisis). This list is a starting place, but please, do your research before donating.
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