The destructive 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti Tuesday evening is reportedly affecting more than 3 million people in the small island country. Although the number of people killed is currently unknown (at the time of reporting), the expected death toll is “in the thousands.”
Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere: almost 9 million of its citizens are living in poverty already, so people affected by the earthquake definitely need our help during this tragic time.
Here’s a list of some organizations with information on donating money and other ways you can help:
- Oxfam International
- GlobalGiving
- American Red Cross
- Mercy Corps.
- UNICEF
- AmeriCares
- Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund – (You can also text ‘YELE’ to ‘501501’ and a $5 donation will automatically be made and charged to your cell phone bill)
- Save the Children
- World Vision
- Doctors Without Borders
Here’s a handy site where you can find charity ratings: www.charitynavigator.org
Also, according to the U.S. State Department, people can text “HAITI” to “90999” and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts, and it will automatically charge your cell phone bill.