We Have to Do More Than Just Pray For Haiti, How You Can Help!

When I heard the news that Haiti would be hit by a hurricane, my heart sunk. Having just returned from Haiti less than a month ago and witnessing the state of the country 10 years after the earthquake, my mind just could not comprehend what this would do to the country.  it destroyed tens of thousands of homes, leaving more than 60,000 people staying in temporary shelters.Over the last few days as I watched the death toll continuously climb, I knew that I needed to do my part to not only return to the country, but to raise awareness of ways we can all support.

As of this morning Hurricane Matthew’s devastation in the county of Haiti has surpassed 1,000 deaths.  Crops were destroyed, putting pressure on food resources, and at least 13 people have died of cholera following widespread flooding mixed with waste.  Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease that can kill within hours if left untreated.

U.S. Marines delivered badly-needed food aid yesterday after Haiti’s government said more than 1.5 million people had been affected by the storm and 350,000 of those were in need of immediate assistance. Haitians have also sent out desperate pleas for help and a plea not to give to Red Cross. You may remember that in 2010 after the deadly earthquake that thousands of lives and left thousands more displaced, many still until this day. In the wake of all of this devastation, Red Cross raised over 500 million dollars. Last year reports surfaced that with that over half a billion in donations, the mega foundation built just six houses, leaving many to question where did all of this money go? We can’t afford for one dollar not to make it to it’s place and so I’ve compiled a list of places, I’ve personally vetted and other ways we can support.

We Have to Do More Than Just Pray For Haiti!

1. With the outbreak of Cholera we need more medical help. Doctors Without Borders has been providing badly needed medical care in Haiti for nearly two and a half decades. They are on the ground now, donate here.
2. Americares, an organization that delivers medical aid to countries worldwide, has sent a shipment of medicine and supplies to the “Hope for Haiti” clinic in Les Cayes, one of the hardest-hit areas. The group is planning other shipments, including fluids to treat cholera.
3. CARE International, an organization fighting poverty worldwide, is distributing clean water, food and emergency supplies in Haiti in the wake of the hurricane. The organization is currently providing these meals to hundreds of people in evacuation shelters. To support CARE’s efforts in Haiti, donate here.
4. Food For The Poor, a group that provides food, housing and emergency relief to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, is sending rice, canned meats and other food to southern Haiti. Over the next few weeks, the charity plans to ship 30 containers of supplies to the country.
5. Are you a plumber? Plumbers Without Borders is “desperate” for volunteer plumbers who can support hospitals in need in Haiti. The aid group is working with Build Health International, which has a number of projects in progress, including a 12,000-square-foot facility, which will accommodate 300 patients and their families. To support Plumbers Without Borders efforts in Haiti, donate here and learn more ways how you can donate your time.
   
   
6. Madre is committed to women’s rights and resources worldwide. They did solid work after the earthquake and have a team on the ground. They will delivering emergency aid and cholera prevention kits to women and families in devastated communities. Click here to support.
7. Founded jointly in 1994 by Haitians and Americans, the Lambi Fund of Haiti is a unique grassroots organization whose mission is to assist the popular, democratic movement in Haiti.  The organization is committed right now to providing $150,000 for urgent relief during the first phase of our response while completing a needs assessment of the resource needed for the second phase which will be to “Repair and Restore” the 22 active organizations’ projects that have been devastated.
8. You can start a fundraiser through Sowaseed, who has been committed to youth in the Caribbean for years. They have a special focus on orphans and they do good work.
9. Based in the U.S. Roots of Development has proved to do good work in the country. The organization is waiting for a complete assessment of the needs on the ground from various local officials and community partners in order to provide the best and most targeted support possible. To stay tuned with the work of the organization and how you can support, click here.
10. Since 2006, SOIL which stands for Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihoods ( has been transforming wastes into resources in Haiti. Through the use of ecological sanitation, this will be key as relief efforts begin to make sure waste is used to create more resources. Learn more on how you can support the cause here.

11. Please read my latest blog post: We Have to Do More Than Just Pray For Haiti, How You Can Help! I have personally vetted several causes that were emailed to me and put them in one place. I encourage everyone to give when and how they can. #PrayForHaiti

12. Haitian Americans are all hands on deck as it relates to giving back. Collection efforts in Miami are leading the way with Mandodo.org/donate, together over 20 charitable organizations are giving back for the cause. Click the link to donate and find drop off locations.

13. Love Haiti’s Children Orphanage is a program I have been aware of for several years under the direct Bishop J, McIver. He is on the ground, it’s a small orphanage so a great adoption effort for a nonprofit or group that wants to help. Learn more about the orphanage at LoveHaitisChildren.com.
14. ACFFC which stands for Art Creation Foundation for Children (ACFFC), is an arts based non-profit organization created for the personal growth, empowerment, and education of children in need in Jacmel, Haiti. The organization is directing effort to donate food to the youth and families they serve. Learn more here.
15. The Team of Hope is heading to Haiti for their annual Christmas Giving in Haiti initiative. The group is seeking to raise funds for a plane and will then begin mass collection of items to take with them to the country. To donate to the cause visit GoFundMe.com/FlyiingToHaiti .
16. Don’t Stay Silent! In a week when the news of Hurricane Matthew is no longer at the top of the hour, rest assured that the people of Haiti will still be suffering. Continue to be vocal, share this post and encourage those around you to not forget about Haiti.
17. Never underestimate what you yourself can do to help. Consider joining with group of friends and family to collect items and money to benefit the people of Haiti. Here is a list of some of the most critical items needed in Haiti now:
    • Zip Lock Bags

    • Baby Supplies- Food, Dipaers, Medicine Droplets, Wipes, Bottles

    • Tape (clear box & duct) for Packing Supplies

    • Liquid detergent

    • Feminine supplies

    • Personal hygiene items (toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo etc.)

    • Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)

    • Plastic buckets with tight lid

    • Household chlorine bleach, disinfectant

    • Plenty of absorbent towels

    • Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever, Benadryl, peroxide

    • Anti-diarrhea medication, Antacid (for stomach upset)

    • Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)

    •  Toilet paper, toilettes, soap, baby wipes, liquid hand sanitizer

     

18. Continue to pray, yes we can’t only pray, but prayer is powerful so let’s not lose the momentum, continue to lift Haiti and the people up in your prayers.

19. Continue to share! Use social media to share the message, popular hashtags for the cause include: #PrayForHaiti #GiveToHaiti and of course #Haiti use these to search for ways to give and spread the message. Instead of only sharing photos of devastation, try and find good stories of how groups are organizing for the cause and share these too.
20. Hold people accountable, as you give, follow up and follow thru. Make sure you stay vigilant on how your dollars and time will be used and above all, never forget about Haiti!
21. We’ll be releasing an exclusive Give to Haiti t-shirt later this week. 100% of the net proceeds will go to benefit our return to Haiti in which we’ll join forces to provide medical and construction relief, stay tuned.