Starcasm takes this break out of our regularly scheduled celebrity gossip and reality television to examine a few ways we can all help Haitian earthquake survivors as they try to rebuild their lives from scratch. Yesterday a 7.0 magnitude quake literally leveled Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, killing over what many believe to be over 100,000 people. Homes and hospitals have been leveled and the surviving residents of Port-au-Prince are living in the streets in desperate need of medical care, food, shelter, and help burying their dead. Right now, the best way to help those in crisis is to send money to the right organizations.
If you are in the United States, one of the easiest and quickest ways to send money is through text messaging programs many charities have set up. Here’s a list of some of the simple text messages you can send to help those who are suffering right away. The funds will be including on your monthly phone bill:
American Redcross partnered with U.S. State Department – Text “HAITI” to “90999” to donate $10 to the American Red Cross. The U.S. State Department set up this number to quickly dispatch donated funds for Haitian earthquake relief. Again, you can visit their website at redcross.org
Ways to quickly donate online:
Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund – Presidents Clinton and Bush oversee the CBHF through their respective nonprofit organizations, the William J. Clinton Foundation and Communities Foundation of Texas. clintonbushhaitfund.org
Partners in Health – This organization is on the ground dispensing medical aid. Haiti’s main hospital is completely destroyed, so the need for medical attention is sever. Visit their website to donate via credit/debit card: pih.org
Architecture for Humanity – Because of the massive loss of buildings in Haiti, Architecture for Humanity will be deeply involved as they rebuild. You can donate now, later, or sign up to make monthly contributes, which they’ll desperately need in the coming months and years. Click here to visit: architectureforhumanity.org
