In the wake of the earthquake that destroyed Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Tuesday, there has been a massive outcry for aid.  In a town with an estimated population of two million, tens of thousands are presumed dead and many more are injured.  Those that survived are more than likely without a home.  There is obviously an immediate need for help in this area.  Disaster relief agencies are on the scene or en route, but will still require your support.  DoGooders, here are the things you can do to help.

Donate

This is the easiest and possibly most effective thing you can do to help in a crisis.  There are trained personnel and specialized goods being sent to Haiti, but they will be limited without ample funds to back their efforts.  In the past few days, there have been a host of social networking-based campaigns that have raised millions.  Even if you missed a chance to get involved with these, there are plenty more opportunities.

Props to former President Bill Clinton for establishing a Haitian relief fund with easy and quick giving options.  You can text “haiti” to 20222 to donate $10 to the cause (text message fees apply, obviously).  The Clinton foundation also has a webpage dedicated to collecting funds.

Red Cross has just released $10 Million to aid disaster victims, and is happily accepting donations on their site.  Additionally, you can check Google’s information page for other organizations that are accepting money.

Much more is needed, so please recruit others to join you in giving.  Take up money around the office or start an email chain to spread the word.

Give Blood

The American Red Cross is shipping a massive amount of blood and blood-related products to Hispaniola.  This increased demand can only be met if donors step up to the challenge.  If you live in or around Birmingham, here is a listing of the donation centers and upcoming drives.  Can’t find an event in your area?  Contact the Red Cross affiliate in your area to schedule one at your office, church, school, etc.

Start a Food Drive

Although this may seem insignificant when the current situation calls more for emergency and medical supplies, there will soon be an overwhelming need for food as well as drinking water in Port-au-Prince.  Collect non-perishables and drop them off at designated places in your town.  Check here for locations in Birmingham.

Volunteer Your Services

Currently, getting to Haiti would be quite difficult (as well as dangerous), but the more ambitious of you may want to consider making a trip there in the coming years to assist with whatever rebuilding effort may come next.  As seen with Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath, a massive cleanup effort awaits, and there should be no shortage of organizations looking to fill spots on such crews.  Anticipate this need for years to come.

Consider adoption

I know.  This is a big one.  As far as commitments go, there are few that are as heavily vested as adopting a child.  There have already been reports of an overwhelming number of orphaned children in the Port-au-Prince region.  They are going to need good homes, and some may be relocated to the United States.  If you are looking to add to your family, then please give this some consideration.

Please keep your thoughts and prayers with the victims of this terrible tragedy.  If you want the slightest understanding of what Haiti was like BEFORE the earthquake, then I highly recommend reading Mountains Beyond Mountains about Dr. Paul Farmer and his work there.  Sitting in our cozy houses, it is tough to imagine…

DoGood!

Matt

Email any comments, suggestions, or ideas to Matt@DoGoodedness.com