Please keep the people of Haiti in your prayers

[jewelz617]

There has been a massive earthquake there.

"NEW YORK (AP) - New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is offering his thoughts and prayers to the approximately 125,000 Haitian New Yorkers who may have family or loved ones affected by the earthquake in Haiti.

The largest earthquake ever recorded in the area rocked Haiti on Tuesday, collapsing a hospital and damaging other buildings. An aid official described "total disaster and chaos."

Bloomberg says the city "stands ready to do all it can to help" and that anyone wishing to contribute to relief efforts can do so through the Mayor''s Fund to Advance New York City by calling 311.

Councilman Mathieu Eugene, New York City''s first elected Haitian councilman, said the city would help coordinate relief efforts. He said the "Haitian people''s great resolve would help them get through this difficult time."

 

[Skippy123]

I was just thinking about how tragic this must be.

I will definitely keep the people, families and friends in my prayers.

 

[Kaleigh]

This is soooo tragic. Keeping all the people of Haiti and those that have family there in my strongest prayers. I can''t imagine their pain and their suffering. Hoping help gets to those that need it quickly.....

 

[Shoopy]

It''s so sad. Haitians have to deal with so much already. This is just devastating.

 

[jewelz617]

Yeah. It''s easy to get caught up in stuff that doesn''t really matter... and then something like this happens and it''s a reality check. Most of Haiti lives in poverty and misery from day to day, my heart aches especially for all the children. This is devastating.

 

[vespergirl]

What an awful tragedy. Haiti was already the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and the people there could barely survive before this. I am just so saddened by this.

 

[radiantquest]

That is so terrible. Not only for the people directly affected, but for those that have loved ones there that they may not be able to get into contact with. I cannot imagine what it would be like to not be able to contact family and make sure they are ok. Was there no warning?

 

[dragonfly411]

thoughts and prayers... that''s horrible.

 

[Bia]

Awful.

I heard on BBC Newshour this morning that Haiti was finally beginning to see some real economic growth - between new infrastructure, new jobs and growing tourism. For a country so hardly hit in terms of poverty and public health concerns, this is especially sad.

 

[partgypsy]

My heart aches to hear about this. My father in law for many years traveled every year to help down there. It is hard to describe the situation in this country until you have witnessed it. I imagine the death toll will be high, especially for children (collapsed schools) and sick and elderly (collapsed or dangerous hospitals). I am afraid that the deaths will only increase with the lack of clean water, medicine, shelter.

].

 

[Sizzle]

They just announced that hundreds of thousands of people are presumed dead. I don''t have a concept of this. It''s absolutely heartbreaking. I feel like I should do something. Just not sure what. It''s just soo sad.

 

[Shoopy]

Date: 1/13/2010 2:04:30 PM
Author: Sizzle
They just announced that hundreds of thousands of people are presumed dead. I don''t have a concept of this. It''s absolutely heartbreaking. I feel like I should do something. Just not sure what. It''s just soo sad.

There are a lot of people donating money which I think is great. You can go to the red cross website. However, if there is an organization around you collecting supplies then I think that''s the best way to help. We''re dropping off some water, canned goods, and old clothing that we have to a group here in "Little Haiti"

 

[Ara Ann]

It''s impossible to even try to understand the total devastation that''s taken place there...and an such a huge scale...my prayers go out for everyone...so very sad.

 

[jewelz617]

I'm in Boston where there is a vast Haitian community. If you want to make a donation to help, you can go to the Red Cross website and either make a monetary donation or find a center that is accepting supplies, or text YELE to 501501. This will bill your cell phone statement $5. It's Wyclef Jean's fund and 100% of the profits go to the Haiti earthquake relief fund. It's a fast way to get money to people who need it right now. Several of my friends told me about this charity and it seems legit.

I can tell you that the food and water supplies are going to be next to nothing in 2-3 days time, so I'm looking into which charities are focusing on getting supplies there asap.

 

[monarch64]

My boss flew to the DR yesterday. He may end up going to Haiti to help with the rest of his group. His parents are the owners of the company I work for and the office is very somber today. We''re worried.

 

[AGBF]

I am glad you started this thread. I didn't feel that I could just continue to discuss diamonds and high karat gold while hearing about this earthquake today. I, also, started a thread (although not one asking for prayers)...in Around the World. One feature of this disaster which saddens me is that we are so helpless in the face of it. Everything in Haiti has broken down because Port au Prince has broken down. Getting aid to the places it is needed by the time it is needed is going to be beyond challenging.


AGBF

 

[monarch64]

An important thing to note when thinking about donating is that while it is our first instinct it may not be the most productive thing to just start donating willy nilly until relief channels are set into place and the initial outpouring of donations is through. Apparently relief efforts for the 2004 tsunami had serious issues due to disorganized channels, etc. Best thing to do sometimes is sit back and wait until it is clear exactly what is needed and how it''s going to reach those in need.

 

[jewelz617]

Date: 1/13/2010 2:25:15 PM
Author: AGBF



I am glad you started this thread. I didn''t feel that I could just continue to discuss diamonds and high karat gold while hearing about this earthquake today. I, also, started a thread (although not one asking for prayers)...in Around the World. One feature of this disaster which saddens me is that we are so helpless in the face of it. Everything in Haiti has broken down because Port au Prince has broken down. Getting aid to the places it is needed by the time it is needed is going to be beyond challenging.



AGBF

2 of my good friends have family in Port Au Prince. They are beside themselves because no one can get through. I can''t even imagine how that feels. It''s so very easy to judge the politics and governments of other countries but the fact of the matter is, humans are humans and we are supposed to help each other in times of need and especially crisis. I hope they find a way to get people in and help search for victims who may still be trapped and that clean water and supplies does not take too long to arrive.

 

[jewelz617]

Date: 1/13/2010 2:32:11 PM
Author: monarch64
An important thing to note when thinking about donating is that while it is our first instinct it may not be the most productive thing to just start donating willy nilly until relief channels are set into place and the initial outpouring of donations is through. Apparently relief efforts for the 2004 tsunami had serious issues due to disorganized channels, etc. Best thing to do sometimes is sit back and wait until it is clear exactly what is needed and how it''s going to reach those in need.

That''s a well taken point. But I''d rather send off a $5 donation and hope it goes through the proper channels than wait or send nothing. Most grocery stores and hospitals have been annihilated, so it''s very important that there are funds readily available and on the way. I wonder does anyone know of a source to track this sort of thing, such as where the money is going and how quickly?

 

[Sizzle]

IF you locate a charity focused on rushing supplies, please let me know. .

 

[Shoopy]

Date: 1/13/2010 2:40:49 PM
Author: PinkAsscher678

That''s a well taken point. But I''d rather send off a $5 donation and hope it goes through the proper channels than wait or send nothing. Most grocery stores and hospitals have been annihilated, so it''s very important that there are funds readily available and on the way. I wonder does anyone know of a source to track this sort of thing, such as where the money is going and how quickly?

There are two ways of donating: immediate relief so that they can get supplies that are needed now (such as food, water, clothing) and then monetary donations that may not go into immediate effect but is much needed for rebuilding all that is lost.

Wyclef is in Haiti as we speak and Yele Haiti has done wonders to help the community. Although I''m not aware of a tracking website, rest assured that the money will be spent wisely.

I think donating to the Red Cross is also effective but it is such a large organization with multiple purposes and I think donating to an organization that is set up for Haiti is just as effective.

Here is an article discussing Wyclef''s organization

 

[jewelz617]

So far the Red Cross is making relief supplies available out of Panama and is gathering funds for immediate use.

 

[Arcadian]

I don''t give to the ARC, I have my reasons. I''ve been doing my best to give comfort all day to friends who can''t find their loved ones. Its a very helpless feeling knowing that there''s not a lot you can do.

Here are some charities that will be giving help to Haiti.


Give Hope to Haiti
http://www.givehaitihope.org/helpnow.htm
UNICEF Haiti Donation
https://secure.unicefusa.org/site/Do...donation=form1

Care
http://www.care.org/
Africare
http://www.africare.org/
Tom Joyner Morning Show/Foundation/BlackAmericaweb
http://www.blackamericaweb.com/


Royal Carribean usually goes to Labadee as thats their private island, they will also be taking aid to Haiti. I''m sure more of the cruise liners that stop in that area will do the same.


-A

 

[Gailey]

Thank you PinkAsscher for starting this thread and to everyone who has responded so far. Arcadian, thank you for the links.

I am writing this post to you all tonight from the a luxury suite in a 4-5 star resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, which is the country that shares the island of Hispaniola with it''s poorer neighbour Haiti.

I''m guessing I am a scant 500 miles from Port Au Prince tonight and never in my life have I been so physically close to such extrordinary catastrophe and suffering and it is having a very sobering effect on Mr Gailey and I. We have been glued to the BBC and CNN to watch this tragedy unfolding before us.

I can''t wait to get home tomorrow so I can find ways in which we can donate and try to make a small difference. I fear that awful as this earthquake has been we are seeing the very tip of the iceberg in terms of human suffering. This is a disaster that is going to have incredibly long lasting effects.

I have just watched Bill Clinton speaking about the immediate help needed in Haiti to sustain life. He also spoke about the need to be able to collect the bodies of the countless people who have died who are currently lying in the streets and of the need to preserve them in order for their loved ones to be able to find, identify and bury them. It is one of the most gut wrenching things I have ever heard put into words.

Deb, you are right when you say that today is not a day for indulging in our love of trinkets. Today is a day for thanking God that we have clean water to drink and shelter over our heads. It is a day for being grateful of the luxury of tucking our babies into bed tonight and it is a day for each of us to find a way to help the people of Haiti.

XXX

 

[loriken214]

I''ve already made a monetary contribution to the American Red Cross. My heart is aching for everyone who is affected by this horrible tragedy.

Lori

 

[loriken214]

Date: 1/13/2010 9:49:42 PM
Author: Gailey
Thank you PinkAsscher for starting this thread and to everyone who has responded so far. Arcadian, thank you for the links.

I am writing this post to you all tonight from the a luxury suite in a 4-5 star resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, which is the country that shares the island of Hispaniola with it''s poorer neighbour Haiti.

I''m guessing I am a scant 500 miles from Port Au Prince tonight and never in my life have I been so physically close to such extrordinary catastrophe and suffering and it is having a very sobering effect on Mr Gailey and I. We have been glued to the BBC and CNN to watch this tragedy unfolding before us.

I can''t wait to get home tomorrow so I can find ways in which we can donate and try to make a small difference. I fear that awful as this earthquake has been we are seeing the very tip of the iceberg in terms of human suffering. This is a disaster that is going to have incredibly long lasting effects.

I have just watched Bill Clinton speaking about the immediate help needed in Haiti to sustain life. He also spoke about the need to be able to collect the bodies of the countless people who have died who are currently lying in the streets and of the need to preserve them in order for their loved ones to be able to find, identify and bury them. It is one of the most gut wrenching things I have ever heard put into words.

Deb, you are right when you say that today is not a day for indulging in our love of trinkets. Today is a day for thanking God that we have clean water to drink and shelter over our heads. It is a day for being grateful of the luxury of tucking our babies into bed tonight and it is a day for each of us to find a way to help the people of Haiti.

XXX

Gailey,

My heart is with you, too!

Big hugs,

Lori

 

[jewelz617]

Date: 1/13/2010 9:49:42 PM
Author: Gailey
Thank you PinkAsscher for starting this thread and to everyone who has responded so far. Arcadian, thank you for the links.


I am writing this post to you all tonight from the a luxury suite in a 4-5 star resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, which is the country that shares the island of Hispaniola with it''s poorer neighbour Haiti.


I''m guessing I am a scant 500 miles from Port Au Prince tonight and never in my life have I been so physically close to such extrordinary catastrophe and suffering and it is having a very sobering effect on Mr Gailey and I. We have been glued to the BBC and CNN to watch this tragedy unfolding before us.


I can''t wait to get home tomorrow so I can find ways in which we can donate and try to make a small difference. I fear that awful as this earthquake has been we are seeing the very tip of the iceberg in terms of human suffering. This is a disaster that is going to have incredibly long lasting effects.


I have just watched Bill Clinton speaking about the immediate help needed in Haiti to sustain life. He also spoke about the need to be able to collect the bodies of the countless people who have died who are currently lying in the streets and of the need to preserve them in order for their loved ones to be able to find, identify and bury them. It is one of the most gut wrenching things I have ever heard put into words.


Deb, you are right when you say that today is not a day for indulging in our love of trinkets. Today is a day for thanking God that we have clean water to drink and shelter over our heads. It is a day for being grateful of the luxury of tucking our babies into bed tonight and it is a day for each of us to find a way to help the people of Haiti.


XXX

You stay safe. And thank you for your wise words. This is such a tragedy, and I know so many people just feel helpless right now.

 

[Should Be Studying]

Hello all,

I am a longtime lurker who has only posted once. I enjoy reading this website for the support and compassion you all provide to each other. As a Haitian-American with family in Port-Au-Prince, I am hoping that everyone around the world continues to pray for Haiti and provide whatever sort of support possible.

I was born in America, but I have traveled to Haiti several times to see my family. I was there just a few months ago and I was happy to see that things seemed to be getting better compared to the last time I was there. That being said, the poverty there is SHOCKING and UNBELIEVABLE. To be honest, it hurts me to go there because I cannot stand to see the conditions that people live in. CNN keeps repeating that Haiti is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, but those words do not convey the plight of the Haitian people. I thought I had seen the worst of it, but now these people truly have NOTHING.

I have been lucky enough to hear from my family, and I am so thankful that they are alive. But they report that the devastation is indescribable. I have been watching as people post on facebook (from their Blackberrys) about being trapped under rubble, or calling for help for their families and friends. It looks horrible on TV, but I guarantee you it is so much worse in real life. Haiti has no infrastructure, their government is truly useless, and the people are on their own. I have lived through catastrophic hurricanes and seen my city destroyed, but I am lucky enough to live in a country where the government was here to help immediately. They have nothing. They are using their hands to dig people out from under the rubble, because they have no tools or bulldozers. These people are living a nightmare, without the benefit of waking up.

This is just the beginning. Food will run out quickly (the markets are destroyed, and they have no power to preserve anything anyway), disease will spread quickly. They are already running out of medical supplies.

I am writing this partly because it has hit so close to home. It is not just a news story...these people are scared (they are still experiencing aftershocks) and confused. They are heartbroken. So I mostly write this to encourage you to PLEASE DO WHATEVER YOU CAN. If you can donate money, supplies, ANYTHING, please do. There are issues with sending money legitimately, but some good organizations have already been mentioned. Anything will help.

Please continue to keep Haiti in your thoughts and prayers. And please do whatever you can to help.

Thank you so much for reading this long post.

 

[yssie]

Should Be Studying, I'm so glad that your family is safe, and I hope they remain so in the coming months of rebuilding

What a tragedy - I hope that those in need of aid receive it quickly and in plenty.

 

[Should Be Studying]

Thank you, yssie. So am I, especially because they are right where everything happened. I feel so sorry for the people who are still trying to reach their families and have heard nothing--it is so frightening and heartbreaking.