Haiti: How You Can Help

by  Suzanne Steinert | Jan 19, 2010
Haiti after earthquake
Haiti after earthquake / Claudiad/ISTOCK

The devastating aftermath of the Haiti earthquake, wreaking havoc within one of our most beloved travel regions, has reminded us why we travel in the first place. At its heart, travel is all about the incredible people you encounter along the way – and right now, the people of Haiti desperately need our help. The extent of the destruction – in which 200,000 are feared dead and the nation’s capital, Port-au-Prince, was reduced to ruins – has rallied the world together in an unprecedented show of support. Millions of dollars have already been donated to emergency relief efforts – but Haiti still needs our help! We’ve compiled a list of 10 key organizations that are accepting donations for Haiti-specific campaigns. Donations are 100% tax deductible and, in almost all cases, go directly to relief efforts.

American Red Cross The world’s most reputed relief organization is providing immediate necessities on the ground, like food, water, shelter, and medical attention. As of January 19, the Red Cross has raised a whopping $21 million via text messages for its efforts. Text “Haiti” to 90999 to send a $10 donation. american.redcross.org

Clinton Foundation 100% of the funds donated to Former President Bill Clinton (a UN Special Envoy to Haiti)’s organization go directly to relief efforts. Text "HAITI" to 20222 and $10 will be donated, charged to your cell phone bill. www.clintonfoundation.org/haitiearthquake

Doctors Without Borders has been working in Haiti for nearly two decades. Despite transportation hurdles at Port-au-Prince’s lone airport, the organization is doing everything in its power to ensure emergency medical supplies make it through to victims. donate.doctorswithoutborders.org

The Goods: Help Send Relief To Haiti is an online store, set up by The Huffington Post, where you can purchase first aid kits, food, and medical supplies directly for use by relief organizations, including the International Medical Corps. store.causecast.org/huffingtonpost

Operation USA is using donations to buy water purification supplies and food supplements which it is shipping to the Haiti from its base in Los Angeles. www.opusa.org

Oxfam Delivering clean water, sanitation supplies, and shelter, Oxfam’s own staff and resources in Haiti were hit hard during the quake, losing more than $120,000 in supplies and two team members. secure.oxfamamerica.org

Partners In Health’s temporary field hospital needs supplies, pain meds, and bandages. donate.pih.org

Stillerstrong Funnyman Ben Stiller is currently funneling all dollars donated to his personal organization to Haiti. stillerstrong.org

UNICEF is absorbing all administrative costs so that 100% of every dollar you give will support its relief efforts for Haitian children in quake-damaged areas. secure.unicefusa.org.

Yele Haiti Text YELE to 501501 to give $5 to musician and Haiti native Wyclef Jean's nonprofit, yele.org. Low-cost carrier Spirit Air is offering 5,000 free air miles for every donation of $5 or more made through its website, or 15,000 bonus miles for donations of $75 or more made to Yele Haiti.

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