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Come lend a helping hand…
Jan 26th
Park 14
One of the DMV local news affiliates reported that the Embassy of Haiti needs volunteers on an ongoing basis. A temporary call center has been created there, but they still need more help with the calls they’re receiving. For more info, please email embassy@haiti.org.
Saturday January 30th (via Twitter)
DC Loves Haiti Benefit:
Featuring a brief program w/ key leaders from the local Haitian-American community who are working to improve life in Haiti. You will have a choice of donating to any or all of 4 nonprofit organizations, and 100% of proceeds will go toward Haitian relief and recovery. 6-9pm at The Park at Fourteenth (920 14th St NW). Cover: $10-$25 (sliding scale donation). To volunteer, contact: Jenny Montoya Tansey at tennymo@gmail.com.
Volunteer Opportunities IN Haiti
Jan 20th
Photo courtesy of MSNBC
As we all know by now Haiti has been devastated by 1 major 7.0 earthquake and an equally destructive 6.1 magnitude aftershock. Many of us have felt powerless, wondering what more can we do aside from donating money, volunteering at call centers or even participating in local donation drives.
Tonic has recently published an excellent guide on organizations working to organize teams to provide 2-week to month-long volunteer missions in Haiti. The groups range from Visions in Action to the Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) and Habitat for Humanity. Medical and non-medical personnel are welcome to apply. Please pass on the word to all interested parties. Instead of vacationing this year like those onboard the Royal Caribbean who are still enjoying the private beaches of Haiti, perhaps we should consider volunteering for a week to help Haiti rebuild instead.
Tonic: How to Volunteer in Haiti
If you know of any other volunteer projects please send me an email or reply to the posts so I can link them to this page. Thank you.
Text 4636 for Help in Haiti
Jan 19th
Text 4636 in case of emergency
Remember that post about Facebook and Twitter replacing 911 call centers a few days ago? Well I just received word that the U.S. Department of State is working in partnership with Digicel. Anyone in need of help in Haiti can send a free SMS text to 4636 with their location and short phrases about what they need.
The messages are then re-routed to emergency responders on the ground. For more information, please follow the link. Hopefully in the hours to come, all phone companies in Haiti will be able to launch a similar plan since time is running out. Please pass this on to all your family and friends there.
Volunteering opportunities for Haiti
Jan 18th
Over 15 truckloads were filled with donations for Haiti, this past Sunday at the Haitian Embassy in D.C. The response was overwhelming. I had a chance to go out and volunteer on Mon., and the warehouse behind D.C. General Hospital was filled with boxes of food, toiletries, baby items, and clothing. Volunteers were there from 10 am to 4 pm and the work resumes tomorrow. Please come out if you can to lend a helping hand; there is still a lot to sort through and package.
The Haitian embassy is no longer accepting donations, they received more than they ever imagined. If you missed your opportunity to donate and still would like to do so, please contact your parish, volunteer groups or visit your local chapter of the Red Cross instead.
Local Chapters:
Bethesda Red Cross
8901 Wisconsin Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20889-0001
(301) 295-1538
Fairfax Red Cross
8550 Arlington Blvd.
Fairfax, VA 22031
Phone: 703-584-8400
Arlington Red Cross
4333 Arlington Blvd
Arlington, VA 22203
703.527.3010 x760
Alexandria Red Cross
(703) 549-8300
Also volunteers are desperately needed by the Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) DC. CIDI is requesting volunteers to conduct shifts at the call center asap and into the coming weeks. There will be shifts covering the time period of 6:00 a.m. to midnight. For more information contact Marci Depersig at mdepersig@macf.com.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Donations for Haiti
Volunteers sort through donations
I Have A Dream
Jan 17th
If Dr. King or Mother Theresa were alive today, they would undoubtedly be touched by the scenes stretching from Dupont Circle in Washington, DC to Massachusetts Ave. Three-way traffic was bumper-to-bumper but the mood calm, patient, hopeful, warm. Despite the slow movement, everyone was united in solidarity to help Haiti.
Donation Drive for Haiti
Whether people were moved by the images of the quake victims in Haiti, or had family and friends effected by the tragedy, each one demonstrated the meaning of compassion and taking care of thy brethren.
I was surprised by the number of people, young and old on foot or in their cars. One man was carrying a gallon of water and bags in the other hand. Through the reflection of my car’s side mirror I saw a group of students transporting empty boxes, one woman had 6 heavy parcels,the list goes on.
By the time I reached the Haitian embassy, volunteers and police officers were directing traffic asking drivers, “are you here to drop of a donation?” I heard no one say, “no.” Cars pulled up, volunteers unloaded the vehicles and then we were signaled to move back into traffic.
The system and coordination was seamless, efficient and peaceful. I snapped a few photographs and hope you’ll take a moment to view the ABC 7 News Story about it. I was overwhelmed by the experience, especially seeing tremendous generosity, which is usually only highlighted during the holidays. This was a call to go above and beyond, and people did just that. By the end of the day dozens of trucks had been filled with tons of much needed supplies which are now en route to Haiti.
This was a moment that I’ll never forget, it gives me hope, it makes me wonder why moments like these don’t happen more often especially in a world plagued by violence, hate and corruption.
As I observed the activity on Massachusetts Avenue, Dr. King’s dream reached new heights. “I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.”
The thousands of people who are contributing through drives for Haiti or responding to texts, continue to believe in the power of dreams. Today I saw that dream realized.
Donation Drive for Haiti
Facebook updates & Twitter tweets replace 911
Jan 16th
Photo, courtesy of Google
Initially Facebook and Twitter were the inventions of tech savvy and forward-looking entrepreneurs committed to linking people across the world. Little did they realize in the aftermath of Haiti’s worst national disaster, both social networking sites are generating thousands of 911-esque messages.
While I was logged onto Facebook a day after the quake, I started reading the walls of family members in Haiti, waiting to hear of any news, reassurance that they were alive. One wall post caught my eye. It read,
“He’s alive but in very bad shape, please please hurry and get there as soon as you can and please put this info in your statuses, * rue Mont-Joli Turgeau ! URGENT !”
Repost Urgent Statuses
I immediately reposted the message in my status box. Although I was unsure if it would help, it was a chance I had to take. The power of viral messaging has shattered the nay-sayers over-and-over again. A few hours later, I checked in on Jean-Olivier’s wall to see if anyone had updates about his condition. He had died several hours later after having been rescued. His untimely death wasn’t in vain.
Someone had seen the call for help through Facebook, contacted the Haitian Red Cross and news agencies. By that afternoon aid workers and neighbors were pulling him from the rubble. He passed away in a hospital, after having sustained serious injuries. Yet, he wouldn’t take his last breath pressed beneath a concrete slab. Nor would he be left wondering if he’d ever see familiar faces again. In his last hours, people fought and succeeded in rescuing him from the debris.
His story made me realize the power of reposting even the bleakest messages. However cryptic or far-fetched they may seem – someone, somewhere may have the power to save a life. Therefore when you see an update that is a cry for help, please don’t overlook it. Think of Facebook and Twitter as a 911 call center, that’s fully equipped to send help.
When a call such as the following comes thru:
“There are still people alive in Caraibean Market, University Quesqueya et College Canado, They Need a Rescue Team- Please Post in your status//Aux Personnes en Haiti, Il y a encore de gens vivant dans les decombes du marche caraibes…”
Simply repost it even for a minute. More times than not, someone will see it and repost it, so you’ve already helped in the rescue mission. Relief workers in Haiti have already mentioned they’re sending teams to areas with reports of a high concentration of survivors. Every little bit helps, through Facebook, Twitter, text, word-of-mouth. Even from afar, we’re not completely powerless.
One person I follow on Twitter, @RamHAITI aka Richard Morse, (a Puerto-Rican born Haitian-American living in Haiti), has been in the middle of the chaos and his tweets have been picked up by CNN. Not only has he been among the first to tweet regularly about the conditions of various neighborhoods throughout Port-au-Prince (even before authorities & relief arrive),
i.e. “Cite Soleil: Subway 17/19 Sous Wharf area is said to have survived. Some one from Cite Soleil came to see me. TiHaiti/Cite Limye hit hard.”
but he has started retweeting the messages of his followers looking for loved ones in Haiti, hoping to garner any attention. Any news, I promise you, during this devastation is better than none.
Photo courtesy of Reuters
Therefore I ask, whenever you come across any Facebook status updates, or Tweets pleading for help from quake victims, please repost it or retweet it. It only takes a second to disseminate the information, a second which can impact a life as in the case of Jean-Olivier Neptune. If you’re uncomfortable doing so, please add it to Facebook’s Earthquake Haiti wall. I guarantee someone will read it and pass it on. And if you really want to go above and beyond, pass the message along to Ataraxisconsulting, created as a result of Jean-Olivier’s death.
The tragedy that’s unfolding has taught me a lot of things. What if Twitter had existed during the Rwandan Genocide, 9/11, Darfur, Katrina? What I do know is this – there is a dire need for a website similar to Facebook and Twitter which is uniquely committed to emergencies in disaster regions. Users should be able to post in real-time updates – names, locations and the conditions of victims. All of this info would then be allocated to a special rescue team designated for search and recovery in that area, using that social medium.
Perhaps the next major website related to catastrophe will revolutionize emergency response systems. In the meantime, please answer any 911 call that comes your way…
*Other News:
The U.S. Department of State has just launched a site for the 2010 Earthquake in Haiti. The site features phone numbers for the Embassy’s Consular Task Force, and an email address for those looking for U.S. citizens in Haiti. There is also a “Person Finder” search tab, whether you’re either looking for or have information about someone. For more information click here.
The Haitian Embassy is helping families in the search process. Thus far, they’ve answered 1,000 of 45,000 inquiries which have come in. It doesn’t seem like much, I know but perhaps they need volunteers. Be sure to visit their site for more info. The International Committee of the Red Cross is also working to track relatives. Visit their site for more. CNN is helping in the missing persons search, go to their website to learn more. Finally radio stations across the US are helping Haitians find loved ones, i.e. Radio Soleil D’Haiti in NY has been announcing the names of Haitians who are missing. Call them directly so their names can be aired. Google is also helping.
Feel free to post any other information you might have so readers can be aware.
Beyond Yele & the Red Cross…
Jan 15th
Photo courtesy of CNN
Quite a few individuals have approached me inquiring about other charities raising money for Haiti’s earthquake victims that aren’t necessarily garnering media coverage. Many have already given to Yele and the Red Cross; others are skeptical about assisting them since combined they’ve already raised over a record-breaking $8M. Each of these responses are valid.
With so many mediums calling for your monetary donations, experts are asking the public to be vigilante. Like any financial matter, be sure to research where your money is going. Check out the websites to ensure it is in fact a secure and reliable organization. Most organizations should have press releases and annual reports on their website readily available to the public. If you can’t find any materials, inquire using the contact information on their site, or contact the Better Business Bureau. There you can check to see if the charity is legitimate.
Better Business Bureau for Charity
Just like buying a car, exercise caution. Do a background inspection, check its records, get referrals, look over the paperwork. It’s that simple, don’t get caught in a scam.
Lastly, yes there are other charities helping Haiti’s relief efforts, not just Yele or the Red Cross. Yele’s site just announced the Haiti Earthquake Alliance. Members are:
Friends of the World Food Program
Pan American Development Foundation
The Belinda Stronach Foundation
Also the Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area (CFCNCA) has a list of charities benefiting Haiti and some of the surrounding countries. Be sure to look here as well.
CNN’s Anderson Cooper released a list of organizations assisting Haiti.
If you’re still looking for other areas, I highly recommend researching those specifically helping orphans, or working to purify and offer water in disaster areas. Find out if your employer matches your contributions to any donations you make to Haiti, many are.
Thank you for your continued prayers and assistance.
Debunking Rumors – How aviation & tech companies are really helping Haiti
Jan 15th
Before you re-tweet...
In the past 72 hours, many of us have re-tweeted a message on Twitter and fallen victim to a hoax.
In a time when people are mobilizing to support Haiti, we’re eager to disseminate any good news especially when it comes to corporate giving. Below is a list of some of the rumors, and what companies are really doing to help Haiti’s quake victims. Next time you see a tweet, and if it’s too good to be true, please verify its accuracy by consulting with the company’s website and looking for press releases, and/or checking local news affiliations for confirmation.
Free calls to Haiti
Attention Tmobile users:
Calls placed to Haiti are FREE of charge from now until the end of the month. In a massive effort to help people reach their loved ones in Haiti, T-Mobile USA announced it will waive all calls to Haiti, and any T-Mobile customers will be able to roam free-of-charge while in Haiti.T-Mobile is working with its partner companies Voila and Digicel to restore service in the region, For more information, please click here. Once an official confirmation is added to their page, I’ll post it as well.
Attention Vonage customers and the general public:
Users can call (800) 809-2503 to set up a call, according to the Vonage Twitter account. See the following for more info.
Attention Sprint, Verizon, AT&T customers:
Thus far, there has been no mention of whether or not these phone companies are following in T-Mobile’s footsteps. Verizon will be donating $1ooK to Haiti and matching employee donations up to $1K.
Bonus Mileage with Donations
Attention American Airlines and Jet Blue travelers:
There is a full scale Twitter rumor circulating that American Airlines (AA) and Jet Blue will send doctors and nurses to Haiti free of charge. This is partially a hoax. AA denied the claim and CNN reported on this. Both airlines are fully committed to helping Haiti’s recovery. AA encourages its flyers to donate to the Red Cross, and in exchange for their monetary donations, customers will receive a specific amount of bonus mileage.
JetBlue is flying relief workers from agencies such as the American Red Cross free of charge to Santo Domingo, but only after they have been vetted by the Haitian Consulate.
$1M to Charity
Attention UPS customers:
UPS will not be sending care packages of 50 lbs/30 lbs or less to Haiti for free. Roads are nearly impassable. UPS is committed to donating $1M to help Haitians through relief agencies i.e. the Red Cross, UNICEF, and CARE.
Other corporate companies:
Google will pledge $1M and update its satellite images, disseminating it through GoogleMaps.
Microsoft will give over $1M in cash and match employee donations up to $12K.
And Apple…let’s hope they do a bit more than creating a microsite for donations on Itunes…
More information on these tech stories can be found here.
A Special Thank You
Jan 14th
Photo Courtesy of MSNBC
Every time the phone rings I cringe…
Either a family friend is calling to provide emotional support or a close friend is updating us on news of those who have been accounted for dead or alive. In the immediate aftermath of the quake, shock-waves went through the Haitian community. In the hours following concern, stress, sadness and fear mounted. News spread like wildfire via word-of-mouth, twitter and facebook; followed by panic. 1-2 confirmations did little to put hearts at ease, only multiple confirmations could appease the worry, the doubt…
I was particularly concerned for my extended family who I’ve known since childhood, the Darbouze. I had seen Daf on gchat around noon, but when I learned of the quake around 5 it became harder to breathe, to think, to focus. I stayed at work until 7 pm reading CNN headlines and I called my mom, simply transfixed. I knew communication would be down. All anyone could do was to wait and pray hoping with the first rays of sunlight, the devastation wouldn’t be as bad as they predicted…
The day following the quake, rampant panic set in. Rumors spread, few images and news updates were provided by major affiliates. Waiting generated a feeling of powerlessness and people began to mobilize. Having learned the lessons of the past, this wouldn’t be a repeat of Katrina. Haiti needed our help immediately, desperately…
Wyclef Jean was among the first to drum up support for his charity Yele. One tweet on his behalf to assist Haitians became an Internet tsunami. By texting “Yele” to 501501, $5 automatically went towards Haiti’s recovery efforts. As of Thurs. January 14, Wyclef has raised over $1M in Haiti with more coming. As ABCNews reported never has so much money been raised so soon after a disaster…
I thank you, all of those who texted once, twice, or even six times to Yele. Although this is a tragic moment it highlights the compassion and strength of human nature despite its trials and tribulations. Thank you to those who have participated or will participate to the Red Cross. $10 can go so far as to buy water, first aid kits, toiletries and other necessities. For those who chose to donate to smaller charities thank you. If you have elected to participate in food and clothing drives thank you to you as well. Perhaps you’ve initiated your own form of relief initiative, thank you…
Despite the tears and agony, there is an unwavering faith among the Haitian community. As you know by now, we’ve survived and triumphed over colonization, dictatorships, hurricanes, flooding and we’ll overcome this earthquake; maybe not tomorrow, or the day after but in time we shall overcome…
There is much to be done in the future, all of which Haiti will be able to do because of you. In a world plagued by wars, crimes, violence and national disasters I thank you for showing me the beauty of the human spirit when we’re united and become one. The interest in Haiti’s plight, and every ounce of attention she has received has touched my soul and the soul of many others. This generation of Ireporters, activists, humanitarians, leaders, bloggers, tweeters, concerned civilians, etc. thank you…
People have asked me how they can help and ways they can assist. Above all, we need prayers. Please pray for those who are deceased, those who were left behind and those whose hearts will continue to bleed for the days and months to come. Pray for those who use this moment as an opportunity to make crass remarks or benefit from the generosity of others. Pray that aid gets their faster. Pray that vital electricity can be restored and water can be distributed. Pray that security will be present in the face of desperation and helplessness.
Every Haitian I know has somehow been impacted by the tragedy, I for example have two cousins and their mother who are still missing, along with two confirmed deaths of close family friends. Everyone shares a similar story so please say a prayer for Haiti. In our hour of need, many of us need God to help heal the pain and bring us solace…
It brings us joy and comfort knowing we have the whole world to rely on when part of our spirit seems to be broken. Rome wasn’t built in day, neither will Haiti be rebuilt that quickly, but thank you for your acts of kindness- big and small…
Let’s pray that aid can get there faster…
Frank Augstein, AP