How New Yorkers can help Haiti after the earthquake

On Saturday, August 14, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti. The current death toll is 1,941, though this is expected to rise in the coming days (search efforts have been disrupted by Tropical Storm Grace). According to CNN, UNICEF also says that roughly 1.2 million people, including 540,000 children, have been impacted by the quake. It is especially devastating to Haiti, as the Caribbean country was struck by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in 2010 that killed between 220,000 and 300,000 people. For New Yorkers looking to help the relief effort, there are plenty of ways to donate cash to relief organizations or drop off supplies.

The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, in partnership with The City of New York, is directing people to donate cash to the following relief organizations:

Ayiti Community Trust
Before Christopher Columbus landed in Hispaniola in 1492, the indigenous Taíno people referred to their country as Ayiti, which translates to “land of high mountains.” The Ayiti Community Trust is a non-profit working to “transform and correct the misrepresentation of Haitians and Ayiti” and to “supplant relief-driven development with long-term investment in Ayiti’s human and social capital.” A donation to their Earthquake Relief Fund will go towards local Haitian-led organizations.

capracare Haiti
This Haitian-led global health non-profit is “dedicated to building dynamic and developing sustainable community health and education programs in rural communities areas in Haiti.” As they note, only eight percent of Haitians living in rural areas have access to a primary health care facility. A donation to their Earthquake Relief Fund will help those affected receive necessary health services.

Hope for Haiti
This large nonprofit works to reduce poverty in Haiti and improve quality of life, especially for children. Their team has completed an initial assessment of the damage from the earthquake and responded accordingly. Their Infirmary St. Etienne, which was damaged in the quake, is open to provide wound care and other essential services like clean water to members of the community. They’re also distributing emergency kits to vulnerable individuals and families. You can make a donation to support these efforts.

Partners In Health
As the largest non-governmental healthcare provider in Haiti, Partners In Health immediately began organizing staff and supplies to respond to the earthquake. According to their site, “In Haiti, PIH employs more than 6,300 staff, including 2,500 community health workers, to provide primary care, maternal and child health care, HIV and tuberculosis services, and more advanced secondary and tertiary care.” They also operate 15 clinics and hospitals across the Central Plateau and lower Artibonite, which are two of the country’s most underprivileged and remote regions. A donation will help provide urgent care following the earthquake.

Other organizations to donate to, as partially compiled by Public Good, include:

• UNICEF
• Airlink
• American Jewish World Service
• Americares
• CARE
• Catholic Relief Services
• Center for Disaster Philanthropy
• Concern Worldwide US
• Convoy of Hope
• CORE
• Doctors Without Borders
• Humanity & Inclusion
• JDC
• Medical Teams International
• Mercy Corps
• Operation Blessing
• Project Hope
• Save the Children
• Team Rubicon
• World Central Kitchen
• World Food Program USA
• World Vision

In addition, the NYPD is asking New Yorkers to donate supplies at their local precinct; you can find the closest location here. Items requested are:

• Medical supplies
• Personal hygiene items
• Non-perishable food
• Baby food
• Flashlights

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. is also hosting a donation drive at Queens Borough Hall that will run through September 22nd. Donations can be dropped off in a box located in the lobby of Borough Hall, which is open 24 hours a day. Items requested are:

• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food
• Personal care products
• Toiletries
• Feminine hygiene

Another drive in Flatbush, Brooklyn is being organized by New York State Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte. The drop-off location is at 1312 Flatbush Avenue and donations will be accepted Monday-Friday from 9:30am to 5pm through August 27th. Items requested are:

• Canned goods
• Deodorant
• Toiletries
• Toothpaste/toothbrushes
• Feminine products
• Combs/hair brushes
• Baby pampers/wipes
• Baby food

For New Yorkers who are personally affected by the earthquake, NYC Councilmember Farah N. Louis has set up two grief and counseling centers, as outlined in the poster above, that will run through August 23rd. New Yorkers can also call or text counselors at the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, where Creole and French translators are available.