Helping Haiti NOW
Recently we wrote a blog about Haiti and its struggles. One thing we mentioned is that Haiti had still not rebuilt since its last earthquake of 2010; however, now, Haiti has been hit with another massive 7.2 earthquake and it has been absolutely devastating and heartbreaking. As of August 19th, the official death toll has surpassed 2,000, with many expecting the number to climb quickly. Many of us continue asking ourselves, “Why can’t Haiti catch a break?”
Again, it is a complicated question and an even more complex answer. For one, it is among the most vulnerable areas in the world to climate change. In 2010, the earthquake killed over 220,000 people, 1.5 million were displaced, and at least 10,000 people in Haiti died from cholera that was brought in by aid workers. Before the country could get back on its feet, Hurricane Matthew in 2016 hit the country killing 600 and displacing tens of thousands. To add fuel to the fire, Haiti’s chronic political instability, massive protests, bad response to COVID-19 pandemic, and the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, have made matters worse.
So, no, it is not just about the devastating earthquake that stuck Haiti on Saturday. It is the series of events that have left Haiti in the state of despair. As Macollvie Neel, the editor of the New York-based Haitian times, said, “The fatigue is mostly just the emotional beating that we’re taking, because it’s been disaster after disaster after disaster.”
This is incredibly heartbreaking because, having met the Haitian people, I know their strength, their hospitality, their determination. It is truly devastating to see these wonderful, resilient people have to suffer so much and a beautiful country not reach its full potential. So, what can we do to help? Get involved! Be part of the conversation! Donate!
If you have no idea where to start, I recommend consulting pages like Charity Navigator and GiveWell to make sure you are donating to legitimate charities and avoid scams. Unfortunately, in hard times like this some people do try to take advantage of these situations so it’s good to do your research. The Federal Trade Commission offers these tips for doing your research. (Click HERE!)
An organization that we really love is Project HOPE whose mission is to place power in the hands of local health care workers to save lives across the globe. (Read more about Project HOPE, their mission, their work, and ways to help HERE.) Project HOPE's emergency response team is on the ground, assesing survivor's needs, delivering antibiotics and activating local Haitian medical teams to overwhelemed hopsitals.
All donations, big and small, DO make a difference. Find ways to help and inform family and friends on how they can help as well. Together, we can all make a difference.
