President Obama called on the American people to aid in the massive rescue and recovery effort taking place in Haiti after Tuesday’s devastating earthquakes.
“At this very moment one of the largest relief efforts in our recent history is moving towards Haiti,” said the president. “Yet even as we bring our resources to bear on this emergency, we need to summon the tremendous generosity and compassion of the American people.”
According to the Haitian Red Cross, “45,000 to 50,000 people have died and 3 million more are hurt or left homeless.”
The Associated Press reports “there were some 45,000 Americans living in Haiti at the time of the earthquake and officials said few had contacted American authorities in the hours immediately after the quake.”
While the world looks on at the horror and devastation that is now the country of Haiti, it is important to note that everyone has the opportunity to help in this recovery without having to leave the comforts of their own homes.
The president encouraged those interested in donating to the relief efforts to visit WhiteHouse.gov where the Center for International Disaster Information has a donation site as does the American Red Cross.
The American Red Cross has released $10 million to help Haiti. People can also text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts and charged to their cell phone bill.
According to USAID, “Monetary donations are the most effective form of assistance because they allow humanitarian organizations to purchase (often within the affected region itself) the exact type and quantity of items needed by those affected by the crisis.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is involved in the relief efforts in Haiti and “is immediately shipping humanitarian relief, including personal hygiene kits and supplies for newborns. Efforts are underway to determine further humanitarian response in coordination with government and disaster relief organizations.” The church has a donation site set up for those who would like to help in the relief effort. The United Way also has a donation site and has mobilized their Caribbean staff, volunteer leaders and resources in response.
The president ended his speech addressing the Haitian people directly, “To the people of Haiti, we say clearly, and with conviction, you will not be forsaken; you will not be forgotten. In this, your hour of greatest need, America stands with you. The world stands with you. We know that you are a strong and resilient people. You have endured a history of slavery and struggle, of natural disaster and recovery. And through it all, your spirit has been unbroken and your faith has been unwavering. So today, you must know that help is arriving -- much, much more help is on the way.”
“At this very moment one of the largest relief efforts in our recent history is moving towards Haiti,” said the president. “Yet even as we bring our resources to bear on this emergency, we need to summon the tremendous generosity and compassion of the American people.”
According to the Haitian Red Cross, “45,000 to 50,000 people have died and 3 million more are hurt or left homeless.”
The Associated Press reports “there were some 45,000 Americans living in Haiti at the time of the earthquake and officials said few had contacted American authorities in the hours immediately after the quake.”
While the world looks on at the horror and devastation that is now the country of Haiti, it is important to note that everyone has the opportunity to help in this recovery without having to leave the comforts of their own homes.
The president encouraged those interested in donating to the relief efforts to visit WhiteHouse.gov where the Center for International Disaster Information has a donation site as does the American Red Cross.
The American Red Cross has released $10 million to help Haiti. People can also text "HAITI" to "90999" and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts and charged to their cell phone bill.
According to USAID, “Monetary donations are the most effective form of assistance because they allow humanitarian organizations to purchase (often within the affected region itself) the exact type and quantity of items needed by those affected by the crisis.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is involved in the relief efforts in Haiti and “is immediately shipping humanitarian relief, including personal hygiene kits and supplies for newborns. Efforts are underway to determine further humanitarian response in coordination with government and disaster relief organizations.” The church has a donation site set up for those who would like to help in the relief effort. The United Way also has a donation site and has mobilized their Caribbean staff, volunteer leaders and resources in response.
The president ended his speech addressing the Haitian people directly, “To the people of Haiti, we say clearly, and with conviction, you will not be forsaken; you will not be forgotten. In this, your hour of greatest need, America stands with you. The world stands with you. We know that you are a strong and resilient people. You have endured a history of slavery and struggle, of natural disaster and recovery. And through it all, your spirit has been unbroken and your faith has been unwavering. So today, you must know that help is arriving -- much, much more help is on the way.”