7.0 Earthquake Hits Haiti Hospital Collapses

[songline]

GuideStar and Charity Navigator have pages of recommendations and advice. (I've used both for years in connection with a charitable foundation with which I'm affiliated.)

Charity Navigator has an excellent ratings system. Here is its page on Haiti:

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=1004

Consider Direct Relief International with its 62.39 4-star rating:

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3626

hth

Thanks for that link... it rates ALL the companies we can donate through - that is great.
http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=1004

I made my decision - I will go with American Jewish World Service - rated at 62.94
And the Israeli's were one of the very first groups to arrive with help. :clap: :clap:

I finally got my check today, (I had to get re-registered) I thank God for Unemployment.
done....easy I just went through this web site, and it was done.
You can get to any of the ones you want pretty much through this site.

 

[songline]

Oh no. A truck brought biscuits to some of the people. The package has two dates on it - manufacture date which is 2008 and expiration date which is November 2010. Someone waiting to be fed noticed the 2008 date and shouted that they were being given bad biscuits. The people are becoming dilirious. Also they may be distrustful of outsiders and were on edge thinking they will be getting others' cast offs so-to-speak. These are high energy biscuits provided by the World Food Program. A lot of people ended up with nothing because of the misunderstanding. People even threw the biscuits to the ground and stepped on them.

Right off the bat this is an example of why there needs to be an extremely organized system in place for the distribution of goods. The truck had to drive off because certain people became so disorderly. The people began pushing and shoving and were yelling.

Wow...Imagine it is 80 degrees and they have no water, hungry, dirty, and some very wounded and they don't know if we are trying to poison them with crackers. :waitasec: WOW...And they are hungry but don't trust us.

 

[Woe.be.gone]

The man whose daughter is still missing at Hotel Montana just pleaded to President Obama to bring in the equipment and more people to dig specifically through the rubble at the hotel where many Americans may be trapped. I pray his daughter will survive. These circumstances must be unbearable. The group of eight that are known to have survived were outside by the pool when the quake hit - the others, two students and two professors, in the hotel.

The family is from MA but the daughter goes to school in FL.

 

[feddup]

Oh no. A truck brought biscuits to some of the people. The package has two dates on it - manufacture date which is 2008 and expiration date which is November 2010. Someone waiting to be fed noticed the 2008 date and shouted that they were being given bad biscuits. The people are becoming dilirious. Also they may be distrustful of outsiders and were on edge thinking they will be getting others' cast offs so-to-speak. These are high energy biscuits provided by the World Food Program. A lot of people ended up with nothing because of the misunderstanding. People even threw the biscuits to the ground and stepped on them.

Right off the bat this is an example of why there needs to be an extremely organized system in place for the distribution of goods. The truck had to drive off because certain people became so disorderly. The people began pushing and shoving and were yelling.

A couple of nights ago, Katie Couric was with the military plane flying over and they were trying to assess the situation, where best to put supplies, etc how to handle it. The people are probably getting hysterical which is understandable.

I am with Catholic Charities for one. I know that when my friend had cancer and no med Ins. they really helped her until her disability came through. wow, they were great.
Also, songline, the ones you mentioned.
I am surprised the Red Cross. I DID think they were reliable. :waitasec:
The Hollywood and singers who are donating, well it is so wonderful of them and probably having concerts etc to raise money:angel:
These people will need a ton of help. I remember when Hurricane Kathrina hit N.O. Lisa Marie Presley brought in huge truck full of supplies and others, too.
You always hear people like Rush Limbaugh put them down but it seems like when there is a disaster these people DO step up to the plate.
God bless all those who are helping. Last night I saw a 6 yr exp Dr helping a 16 day old Haitian baby, just remember, we are all equal in Gods eyes

 

[feddup]

A few hours ago CNN showed video of a bulldozer* heading down a street to help clear some rubble. It is painstaking to watch people try to find people who are trapped and buried in the cement piles using only their hands.

Did anyone hear the story about the American man whose daughter was reported safe. When he got to Boston to meet her flight, he found out there had been an error in communication and his daughter's whereabouts is still unknown. That is heartbreaking. My prayers are with them.

Does anyone know if they found the red headed boy, age 13, from Virginia Beach? I sure hope so.

Today may be the day that some meaningful distribution of goods and organization gets underway. God knows it's needed. I hope we get to see water and food being passed out later not to mention the medical supplies that are now in country but not to the facilities yet. CNN is saying now "Aid shipments arrive at Haiti field hospital". Great news - it's a start.

My heartfelt prayers go out to all the victims as well as all the brave and skilled people who are there helping to bring relief.

*My husband told me a bulldozer is not the proper equipment needed to lift heavy concrete. Then I saw that they used a bulldozer to push dead bodies into a mass grave. This is sickening. I hope they get the proper lifting equipment to help move the fallen concrete and potentially free survivors. Time is running out.

woe be gone: I think I read somewhere that Britain has the right equiptment, they just not sure how to get it there yet. Hopefully
they will figure out how.

I hope the mans daughter is found alive

 

[songline]

I was listening to the news and it seems they are beginning to get a handle on the chaos.
All the heads of agencies who are there to help meet daily at 3 o'clock and map out who is going where they want to make sure all the areas are covered and nobody is overlooked. they started the communications flowing while communication equipment is on its way.

I think getting order started will manage a huge part of the rescue.

 

[songline]

A couple of nights ago, Katie Couric was with the military plane flying over and they were trying to assess the situation, where best to put supplies, etc how to handle it. The people are probably getting hysterical which is understandable.

I am with Catholic Charities for one. I know that when my friend had cancer and no med Ins. they really helped her until her disability came through. wow, they were great.
Also, songline, the ones you mentioned.
I am surprised the Red Cross. I DID think they were reliable. :waitasec:
The Hollywood and singers who are donating, well it is so wonderful of them and probably having concerts etc to raise money:angel:
These people will need a ton of help. I remember when Hurricane Kathrina hit N.O. Lisa Marie Presley brought in huge truck full of supplies and others, too.
You always hear people like Rush Limbaugh put them down but it seems like when there is a disaster these people DO step up to the plate.
God bless all those who are helping. Last night I saw a 6 yr exp Dr helping a 16 day old Haitian baby, just remember, we are all equal in Gods eyes

I bet you that Doctor - Bless his Heart - is praying a lot... poor little baby :angel::angel:

I think it is great when celebrities use their money for good.
I love that they can and DO make a difference.
About red cross there is a rating system above in one of the posts that Shana posted
RC is NOT a 4 star :no: but with Red Cross I don't care about public opinion I saw it first hand.

 

[Tizzle]

A few hours ago CNN showed video of a bulldozer* heading down a street to help clear some rubble. It is painstaking to watch people try to find people who are trapped and buried in the cement piles using only their hands.

Did anyone hear the story about the American man whose daughter was reported safe. When he got to Boston to meet her flight, he found out there had been an error in communication and his daughter's whereabouts is still unknown. That is heartbreaking. My prayers are with them.

Does anyone know if they found the red headed boy, age 13, from Virginia Beach? I sure hope so.

Today may be the day that some meaningful distribution of goods and organization gets underway. God knows it's needed. I hope we get to see water and food being passed out later not to mention the medical supplies that are now in country but not to the facilities yet. CNN is saying now "Aid shipments arrive at Haiti field hospital". Great news - it's a start.

My heartfelt prayers go out to all the victims as well as all the brave and skilled people who are there helping to bring relief.

*My husband told me a bulldozer is not the proper equipment needed to lift heavy concrete. Then I saw that they used a bulldozer to push dead bodies into a mass grave. This is sickening. I hope they get the proper lifting equipment to help move the fallen concrete and potentially free survivors. Time is running out.

BBM

According to this link, Andrew and his uncle, Michael, have been located and are safe. Apparently, his uncle is quite familiar with providing humanitarian relief in Haiti. Bless them and what a relief for their loved ones.

Virginia Beach 8th-grader in Haiti is OK
http://hamptonroads.com/2010/01/beach-8thgrader-still-missing-haiti

 

[PorcineGranny]

I agree, there is no order. In the past billions of dollars have been given to Haiti for the people and to strengthen infrastructure. It has not happened, the money is gone. People in America are giving their money thru their tax dollars. That plus all the pledges and money given by celebrities. In my opinion, if I was without food for myself and my children, the date on a cracker box would be the least of my worries. I would eat it to stave off hunger and ask questions later. I can't really sympathize with those people who are angry because of the date of food, which by the way they are wrong about, when the world is trying to get help in there. Anything being done is being hampered by the Haitians. This is the result of no government, no respect and honor among the people. I wish them the best and I pray for their rescue, but as a citizen of the USA I think my President giving money, troops and equipment is charity enough.

Look at Haiti, half the island is the Domenican Republic, they are prosperous, Haiti is beseiged by tragedy, I wonder why.

 

[Dark Knight]

I heard today that the TV Networks will air the Haiti Fundraiser that Clooney is organizing on Friday the 22nd. A week away! Better late than never I suppose. It seems like Katrina and the 9/11 ones were on faster, but I could be wrong.

 

[Woe.be.gone]

BBM

According to this link, Andrew and his uncle, Michael, have been located and are safe. Apparently, his uncle is quite familiar with providing humanitarian relief in Haiti. Bless them and what a relief for their loved ones.

Virginia Beach 8th-grader in Haiti is OK
http://hamptonroads.com/2010/01/beach-8thgrader-still-missing-haiti

Thank you. What great news for that family. I couldn't get the story out of my head after I heard the dad say that they let Andrew out of school to experience an adventure with his uncle. I could only imagine how difficult it would have been for them if their boy had not survived.

By the way, regarding my post above about the biscuits, I hope peeps don't think I was judging the victims. I didn't mean it that way at all and was just reporting the incident to show how honest attempts to help can get messed up. I added the part about the mistrust because it struck me that that was the case. People want to help but it dawned on me that maybe some of the victims don't trust the providers. My comments were statements based upon my observations and what was being reported.

 

[Woe.be.gone]

Also, CNN reported earlier that the Haitian Authorities have asked a group of Doctors to pack up and go.* Yes that's what was reported. WTH?

Also I sense a power play going on from the Country spokesperson to no fault of the average citizen. This is no time for pride imo - just saying.

*As Songline states below, the Doctors were asked to pack up and change locations (not leave altogether). Very frustrating for them because it's taking time away from helping people. It's a security issue. CNN had not reported the whole story earlier. Sanjay Gupta was on LK and explained what happened.

 

[songline]

BBM

According to this link, Andrew and his uncle, Michael, have been located and are safe. Apparently, his uncle is quite familiar with providing humanitarian relief in Haiti. Bless them and what a relief for their loved ones.

Virginia Beach 8th-grader in Haiti is OK
http://hamptonroads.com/2010/01/beach-8thgrader-still-missing-haiti

that is GREAT NEWS...I had been posting news from Hotels looking for that Red Headed boy.
SO glad he and his uncle are OK Thanks for the smile on my face.

 

[songline]

Interesting... CNN videos
http://www.cnn.com/video/
One of the videos - Sanjay Gupta MD talks about why the doctors were asked to leave for now.
The concern is about violence. they have to secure the location it is slowing down the
progress they made.

 

[kbl8201]

being from worcester ma the story of the local girl was posted in the worcster tlegram today. very heartbreaking.
they apperently havent found the other 3 people she was with either

 

[Dark Knight]

NEW YORK – MTV is joining the major broadcast networks and several cable channels for an all-star telethon for Haitian earthquake relief on Jan. 22.


A statement released by MTV Networks on Friday says "Hope for Haiti" will be shown at 8 p.m. Eastern time.


Networks showing the telethon are ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CNN, BET, the CW, HBO, MTV, VH1 and CMT. It will also be available internationally.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100115/ap_en_ce/us_haiti_telethon

 

[songline]

NEW YORK – MTV is joining the major broadcast networks and several cable channels for an all-star telethon for Haitian earthquake relief on Jan. 22.


A statement released by MTV Networks on Friday says "Hope for Haiti" will be shown at 8 p.m. Eastern time.


Networks showing the telethon are ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CNN, BET, the CW, HBO, MTV, VH1 and CMT. It will also be available internationally.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100115/ap_en_ce/us_haiti_telethon

That is awesome. Yes This morning I found out about George Clooney doing this.
former President Clinton said we can rebuild Haiti...
Thank You God.

I just hope they set some order so they can be effective.
I remember with Katrina they built thousands of mobile homes that sat in parking lots for years.

NO ORDER can cripple any good intention.
I really hope they get more organized and faster.
I read your siggi... that is my Language
Baruch Hashem Adonai. :beats:

 

[songline]

being from worcester ma the story of the local girl was posted in the worcster tlegram today. very heartbreaking.
they apparently haven't found the other 3 people she was with either

I hope there will be more people found soon.... and they will be amongst the found.
Is that the girl that her Dad begged President Obama to send more rescue teams in???
I saw that video today too, that one is heart wrencher.

Anderson Cooper said that they are doing some mass graves, and unlike SriLanka when they put someone in a mass grave they took photos...here the did not. so there are no records of who is in those mass graves. how horrible.
http://www.cnn.com/video/ there are many videos here find Anderson.

 

[gitana1]

Sanja Guptka is a doctor first and yes I saw him helping the baby but I think they could do more. I didnt mean sams club in Haiti if they even have one. My point is that the media is sending all of these planes/helicopters over to haiti they could bring over some supplies also. I for one would like to see more pictures of reporters handing out water and tents and blankets,etc. We never seem to see those type of pictures.

I am frustrated as well. I understand there are logistical issues but can't we get some ships with helicopters over there and just air drop tons of supplies, water, etc? Just bombard them with supplies from the air? If roads are impassible and the airport is log-jammed, how about boats, helicopters? I keep hearing that the bulk of all that aid is not getting to them, how people are standing around at the airport waiting for orders. It kills me.
It seems the U.S. now has control of the airport and is taking control of the relief efforts. Okay, so set up a central command at the airport where all the nations, agencies, charities can check in and create neighborhood by neighborhood grids, sending certain relief efforts to each neighborhood or grid - a certain amount of water, supplies, blankets, medicine, food, rescue personnel, doctors to each grid. They can also send someone to each grid to count the dead and request info re the missing.
Also, each neighborhood should be designated an area to be cleared for burials and each person buried should be photographed and/or listed in a log with identifying info like sex, approx. age, clothing, etc., and all that info compiled into a national database so that people will know what happened to their loved ones.
Before that command center is set up, just flood the streets with whoever shows up to help. It may seem easier to me than it is but what the heck? I see a lot of countries and agencies responding to the call for help, so it seems like there is enough help to go around. If the reporters can get in, so can relief agencies.
My throat has had a large lump in it for days now. This is one of the worst tragedies we have seen in a while.

 

[gitana1]

GuideStar and Charity Navigator have pages of recommendations and advice. (I've used both for years in connection with a charitable foundation with which I'm affiliated.)

Charity Navigator has an excellent ratings system. Here is its page on Haiti:

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=1004

Consider Direct Relief International with its 62.39 4-star rating:

http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=3626

hth

Thanks to you and everyone else listing reputable charities. My favorites for this situation are Oxfam, Doctors Without Borders and Yele Haiti.These are all organizations that actually deliver to the countries they serve without nonsense. Yele Haiti is a charity run by Wyclef Jean, a Haitian musician who never forget his homeland or its people. He personally sees to it that the people who need it most are helped thorugh his charity. The people in Haiti treat him like a God.