How to Help Haiti Earthquake Victims Right Now

Madison Feller, Starr Savoy
·4 min read
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Photo credit: JUAN BARRETO - Getty Images
Photo credit: JUAN BARRETO - Getty Images

Haiti is in crisis. On Saturday, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit the Caribbean country, killing at least 1,297 people. Thousands of homes, as well as landmarks, churches, markets, and hospitals, have collapsed or been damaged, leaving people without supplies or shelter as a tropical storm rolls in early this week. Haitians are also still dealing with the global coronavirus pandemic and the current political instability caused by the recent assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. According to NPR, a rise in gang violence, as well as damaged roads and bridges, has made getting humanitarian aid to those who in need a “logistical challenge.” On top of everything, the nation hasn't fully recovered from the destruction of an earthquake that hit in 2010, which killed more than 200,000 and displaced more than one million people, or from Hurricane Matthew in 2016.

Since Saturday, the New York Times reports, several organizations have set out to offer aid in Haiti, including sending in a search-and-rescue team and distributing medical supplies. On Monday, the White House tweeted that the United States Agency for International Development deployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team to “lead the U.S. government’s response efforts in the aftermath of the earthquake.”

Find more about the current humanitarian efforts, and ways to you can help, below.

CARE

CARE teams are working to distribute tents, water, and other “core relief items” to those displaced by the earthquake. According to the organization, CARE also has cyclone response supply kits ready to be sent to communities affected by the incoming storm.

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Pan American Health Organization

The Times reports that the Pan American Health Organization has “sent experts to coordinate medical support” in Haiti, while PAHO’s website adds that the organization is preparing Emergency Medical Teams, medical supplies, and other strategic equipment to be deployed.

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UNICEF

Similarly, UNICEF is distributing medical supplies, per the Times, as well as assisting with water and sanitation. On Twitter, UNICEF shared that “@UNICEFHaiti is delivering emergency medical supplies and working to keep children and families safe in the difficult hours ahead.”

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United Way of Miami-Dade Operation Helping Hands

United Way of Miami-Dade and the Miami Herald have partnered to activate an Operation Helping Hands in order to assist earthquake victims. According to the organizations, all of the funds raised through Operation Helping Hands “will be used to purchase relief items and services needed in Haiti during this time of crisis.”

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Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) provided care for victims in the Sud province of Haiti within the first hours of the earthquake. The organization has continued to assist those who are injured and need follow-up care and launched a blood drive campaign in partnership with local authorities, per the MSF website.

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Convoy of Hope

Convoy of Hope is partnering with Mission of Hope to distribute one million meals to those affected by the earthquake. Convoy will also work to provide hygiene kits and sheltering supplies. According to the organization’s website, its in-country warehouse was not affected by the earthquake, so distributions were slated to begin immediately.

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