5 Reputable Organizations that are helping Haiti - and what you can do to help

My good friend, George Durham, who has excellent experience with working in international development wrote an insightful perspective on how to best help Haiti. I included his thoughts in quotations below. To sum it up, be prepared so that you are ready to help when the crisis comes and in the meantime, give funds to quality organizations who have people who are trained.

At the bottom, I listed what I have found to be the best organizations providing aid right now to Haiti. We can all do something; if only, just a little.

I was particularly moved yesterday when on NPR, I heard accounts of the Haitian people staying strong, not blaming anyone or anything for this natural disaster and for humbly praying to God into the night.

"I've had a few folks ask me (I work with NGOs around technology needs) how best to provide support around the disaster in Haiti. It is a cruel tragedy that continues to unfold. Already the poorest nation in the western hemisphere, Haiti does not have the infrastructure to withstand/absorb what is unfolding. In the first 24/48/72 hours, NGOs are primarily focused on rescue efforts and assessment of immediate needs. Partners, governments, intergovernmental agencies all begin to mobilize efforts. It can be an extremely difficult time for NGOs to manage the logistics around in-kind donations (blankets, water, etc.) and interested volunteers -- important as those are -- because many of those supplies and personnel are staged/prepared well before disaster strikes. Connectivity (telephone, Internet, etc.) is critical, and often (and certainly in Haiti) a real challenge. Though it may seem somewhat impersonal, one of the most important things NGOs (nonprofits) need is cash. Those contributions, even small ones, matter, because it allows NGOs the flexibility they require in responding quickly to changing needs and circumstances on the ground, getting their trained staff and volunteers deployed and helping most effectively. I know and understand the desire to get involved personally, to go and help. I see the images, read the stories, and want to do the same thing. But when disaster strikes, non-profits need trained volunteers and professionals. What do I recommend? Give generously, where and how much you are able -- to reputable orgs leading efforts on the ground. Don't travel there yourself if you are not trained and deployed under the auspices of a relief agency. Get trained! Volunteer your time with nonprofits so that when disaster strikes they can call on you and use you. Too many of us are willing to help when it's on the front pages, but perhaps slacken in our conviction when the media spotlight shines elsewhere. You can have an important impact, and there are many who can benefit from your time and material contributions. Pray for those impacted in Haiti. The devastation continues to mount, unfortunately, and I fear it will get worse still." Source


There are a number of different ways to give. Here are the top organizations I have found to come recommended by reputable sources.

Recommended by local (Seattle) groups: Medical Teams.

Recommended by Unitus: Stand with Haiti and Mercy Corps

Promoted by the BBC: Disasters Emergency Committee

Through my religious affiliation: LDS Philanthropies

Via text messages:
Red Cross: Text HAITI to 90999 ($10 donation)
Yéle Haiti: Text YELE to 501501 ($5 donation)
United Way: Text HAITI to 864833 ($5 donation)
Intl Medical Corps: Text HAITI to 85944 ($10 donation)

Photos courtesy of Mashable and TweetPic