900 People are Dead and 350K More are in Need in Haiti. Here are Some Groups Helping Out
Haiti is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere. In 2010, an earthquake killed at least 200,000 people and displaced millions more.
Now, it’s been slammed by Hurricane Matthew. Reuters reports that approximately 900 people are estimated to have died as of Friday night, and The Associated Press says at least 350,000 people are in need.
Cholera, a disease the United Nations recently admitted it brought to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake (where it killed 10,000 people), is also on the rise. From Reuters:
In the town of Anse-d’Hainault, seven people died of cholera, a disease that did not exist in Haiti until U.N. peace keepers introduced it after a 2010 earthquake that killed some 200,000 people.
Another 17 cholera cases were reported in Chardonnieres on the south coast.
“Due to massive flooding and its impact on water and sanitation infrastructure, cholera cases are expected to surge after Hurricane Matthew and through the normal rainy season until the start of 2017,” the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said in a statement.
As Matthew tears its way up the East Coast of the United States, we pray that people will be safe. And for those already in safe areas, we encourage you to donate to help those in need.
Below are some groups that are attempting to help those suffering in Haiti. The list below is necessarily incomplete. Please research these organizations and pray to see where God would lead you to give in these days of need in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.
Samaritan’s Purse, which did yeoman’s work in the wake of the Haiti earthquake, says it has already delivered over 40 tons of supplies to Haiti, and the effort continues.
The American Red Cross has launched a Hurricane Matthew relief effort. The relief organization was heavily criticized by NPR and ProPublica for its handling of $500 million raised after the 2010 Haitian earthquake. The American Red Cross vigorously disputes the allegations.
Helping Haitian Angels says donors can help through direct financial assistance, or through donations of professional services. Donors can also essentially adopt a child through donations, and on-the-ground volunteer opportunities exist.
The Seattle Times reports that Medical Teams International, World Vision and World Concern are on the job. (Charity Navigator, which ranks charities, gave World Concern’s parent group, CRISTA, high rankings for financial accountability and overall transparency.)
The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, which also ranks highly at Charity Navigator, is helping victims.
A Facebook group called “Effective Aid for Haiti after Hurricane Matthew” recommends a number of groups for both donations and where to buy supplies locally. The page’s sponsors say they want to help donor money actually get to those in need:
FUNDRAISING: Those of us with long experience in Haiti want to ensure assistance is getting where it is needed. We are compiling a list of organizations whose work on the ground we have direct experience with.
This list is incomplete but we will update as we get in contact with local organizations and help them set up fundraising channels. If you have a suggestion send a PM with contact information.
Each of these organisations is based / established in the affected communities and on the ground right now providing critical support. 100% of funds donated will go to people affected by the Hurricane.
MAP International has a 100 percent ranking from Charity Navigator in both its financial accountability and transparency categories.