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The recent news of the January 12 earthquake in Haiti leaves many of us feeling great sadness and compassion for the people affected by the tragedy. Many of us, with good intentions, want to respond and help in any way we can. In fact, some whose resources allow may feel a desire to board a plane and add to the ongoing relief efforts in person. However, our initial desire to act may not be the most sustainable and helpful responses.
Because of the need to respond to primary needs and rescue efforts urgently, philanthropy experts recommend giving monetarily to relief-aid groups who have an established presence in Haiti. It is more effective during the early stages of disaster relief and during ongoing rebuilding efforts to work with organizations that have leadership in place to respond to a needs-based assessment on the ground. New organizations to the area or individuals who join in aid efforts without connection to an organization may add to the chaos.
It is okay to wait on your giving. Reconstruction efforts will take time and monetary giving will be needed on an ongoing basis.
It can be anxiety-provoking to sit “idly by” when so much is needed in response to the Haitian earthquake. However, this is an instance in which relying on experts in the area (i.e. the Haitian people and established relief-aid workers) is perhaps a more compassionate response than rushing in with our “expertise.” I would encourage you to donate monetarily and prayerfully to organizations that you already trust to do compassionate work for the needs of our world.
The following is a list (not exhaustive) of organization who have a presence in Haiti: