Mobilizing Help For the People of Haiti
Circa 2010
NOTE: WeCareforHaiti.org was created more than a decade ago to help mobilize assistance for the people of Haiti.
The content now found on this site is from the 2010 archived versions of the original site, as well as from other sources.
Here we are in 2021 and Haiti is still desperately in need of help to rebuild their communities that have continued to suffer from both systemic poverty and the fallout of natural disasters, such as the devastating 2010 earthquake. If you wish to contribute or volunteer to help in Haiti there are a number of organizations still operating in the country. You can find them via an Internet search.
I remember reading about the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti in 2010 on my computer when I saw the headline about the quake. Later I read news articles mentioning the enormous efforts to help their people by the by Haitians living in the US. Their mobilization was truly inspiring. Consequently when I discovered that the domain for WeCareforHaiti.org was available so I bought it with the goal of recreating some of its content from archived pages and to point visitors to their new site. I definitely didn't want someone else purchasing the domain and re-purposing the site for something that had nothing in common with the original website. I believe that the story about the Haitian relief efforts found in these archived pages is still important and should be available online.
UPDATE: 2021
2021 has been a rough year for Haiti. Aside from the Covid 19 pandemic, the people of Haiti have suffered another devastating earthquake. Interestingly, the catastrophic 2010 earthquake took place approximately 46.6 miles west of this earthquake and was an M7.0 that occurred at a depth of 8.1 miles. However the 2021 earthquake occurred at a depth of only 6.2 miles (10 km), which is critical because shallow earthquakes usually cause more damage. Although the damages from this 2021 earthquake are similar to 2010, it was on a smaller scale because of smaller population at the epicenter and the more rural geography. But that makes little difference to the folks this latest earthquake affected. In addition, on Aug 16 Haiti experienced a direct hit from the Tropical Depression, Grace. Early satellite reports indicated more than 5 inches fell in some areas. Another disaster. The compounded effects of an ongoing political crisis in Haiti after the 7 July, 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, on going socio-economic challenges, food insecurity, and gang violence continue to greatly worsen an already precarious humanitarian situation. And then there is Covid 19.
Compared to what's happening in Haiti, the lock downs the residents of Melbourne (where I live) had to deal with are puny in scale. At the time I felt being in lockdown was terrible. But after a day working from home I would be able to relax and enjoy some fun playing pokies online at my favorite casino, Uptown Pokies. I could check every Thursday at an online casino affiliate site, Online-Casino-Party.co to see the upcoming weekly promo specials. My home is intact, I can buy food, and we have a stable government. Because our government adopted an approach of using lockdowns alongside proactive testing and tracing to contain the virus, Australians are in good shape. I am lucky to be living where I am, unlike many Haitians where back-to-back disasters are exacerbating preexisting vulnerabilities.
I want to mention The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) launched the CDP Haiti Earthquake Recovery Fund to support the medium- and long-term needs of earthquake-affected people and communities. To help Haitians go to https://disasterphilanthropy.org/ and learn how to help.
Archive Headlines: January 12th, 2010
On January 12th, 2010, an earthquake measuring a magnitude of 7.0 on the Richter scale left the already impoverished Caribbean nation of Haiti in a state of devastation. In response to the humanitarian crisis formed in the aftermath of the earthquake, 1199SEIU** has partnered with UNICEF and various non-profit organizations, community leaders, media outlets, politicians and government agencies. The collaboration effort will be used to mobilize the community at large and help direct the generosity of the concerned public. 1199SEIU will use its resources and organizing ability to make the relief effort more efficient and also play a role in the rebuilding process of Haiti
NEWS POSTS
New American Media conducted a poll of Haitian Americans ten days after the earthquake
Thursday March 4, 2010 . 9:09 PM
New American Media conducted a poll of Haitian Americans ten days after the earthquake devastated Haiti. The findings show a majority of the participants lost loved ones as a result of the earthquake. It also found, the Haitian Diaspora want to go back and be apart of the rebuilding process. This is the largest resource the country has, the number of people who care for Haiti and are willing to make a long term commitment to its revival.
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Drive Sets Goal of 50,000 Survival Kits for Women of Haiti
Friday June 18, 2010 . 3:23 PM
Members, volunteers and staff from 1199SEIU and the 1199SEIU Child Care Corporation gathered on June 4 at the union’s Manhattan headquarters for the first in a series of gatherings where members will help make 50,000 Survival Kits for the women of Haiti.
The kits are scheduled to be completed by August 13, and will include basic healthcare items such as toothpaste, a tooth brush, soap and deodorant as well as clean undergarments and energy bars. Millions of women and children were displaced by the earthquake and left without access to basic health and sanitary supplies.
Elaine Pascall, a retiree from Marcus Garvey Nursing Home in Brooklyn attended the event. The pictures from Haiti are very disturbing, she said. Women have to help women. Sometimes men think all we have to do is work, but women know that we have to stop and take care of each other. We need to do things like send doctors and provide medicine.
The kits will be assembled at 1199SEIU headquarters on several Fridays and Saturdays throughout June and July. Members are welcome to participate, and encouraged to donate supplies for kits through their churches, community organizations and worksites.
Supplies can be dropped off Monday to Friday from 9:00 am and 5:00 p.m. at the following 1199SEIU headquarters:
Manhattan, 330 W.42nd Street
Long Island, 100 Duffy Avenue, 7th Fl, Hicksville
Westchester, 99 Church Street, White Plains
New Jersey, 555 Route One South, Iselin
Kits and supplies may be dropped off until August 13, 2011. For more information contact your organizer or call the We Care for Haiti office at 212-603-0047/0048.
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Remembering The Haitian Tragedy A Year Later: A Story From The Front Lines
Friday January 14, 2011 . 2:37 PM
One year ago, the earthquake in Haiti killed hundreds of thousands and left millions homeless, a tragedy that the Haitian people are still suffering from. Less than a week after the earthquake, 1199SEIU Delegate Angel Ruiz, a mental health tech at the University of Miami Hospital volunteered to join a team of Miami-based first responders to provide medical supplies and care to earthquake survivors in Haiti. The team was among the first to arrive in Haiti and they waited close to 12 hours for their plane, which was delayed due to the rubble blocking Port-au-Prince’s airport runways. As they waited for their plane, the medical teams had to repack their gear multiple times to meet the weight limit of the cargo plane. There were so many supplies that the first responders decided to bring only one change of clothes each for one week.
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**1199SEIU is a local union of the Service Employees International Union in the United States. With a membership of 360,000 it claims to be the largest local union in the world. As part of a broader collective effort to mobilize the community and offer resources to those affected by the crisis in Haiti, the special UNICEF fundraising drive was announced almost immediately after the first reports of the immense devastation were received. With tens of thousands of Haitians and Haitian-American members of 1199 SEIU, the union launched this special Haiti relief website at www.wecareforhaiti.org.
More Background on WeCareForHaiti.org
WeCareForHaiti.org has played a key role in mobilizing support for Haiti during some of its most challenging moments. As a platform, it connects donors, volunteers, and international organizations with opportunities to help Haiti recover from natural disasters and social crises. To fully understand the scope and impact of WeCareForHaiti.org, it is essential to consider the broader historical, cultural, and social context of Haiti and its long-standing struggles, as well as its resilience.
Haiti’s Historical and Cultural Background
Haiti is historically significant as the first Black republic to gain independence in 1804 after a successful slave rebellion. This revolution had a profound influence on anti-colonial movements throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Haiti’s victory over French colonial forces inspired other colonies to fight for their freedom and played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the Americas.
In terms of cultural heritage, Haiti boasts a rich tradition of art, music, and spirituality, with Haitian Vodou being one of its most recognized cultural practices. Haitian art, particularly its vibrant and expressive visual arts, has gained international acclaim, with artists like Hector Hyppolite and Philome Obin showcasing the country’s unique style on the global stage. The preservation of African cultural elements, especially through religion, music, and storytelling, remains a core aspect of Haiti’s identity.
Haiti’s struggle for independence also had long-term consequences. After winning its freedom, Haiti was forced to pay reparations to France, leading to a cycle of debt and economic hardship that has persisted for over a century. These economic difficulties have been compounded by political instability and natural disasters, such as the devastating earthquakes and hurricanes that frequently affect the island.
Social Significance and Humanitarian Efforts
Haiti’s contemporary challenges are widely recognized, particularly following the 2010 earthquake, which left much of the nation in ruins. The earthquake spurred a global humanitarian response, and organizations like WeCareForHaiti.org emerged as platforms to direct aid to where it was most needed. Despite ongoing economic struggles and frequent natural disasters, Haiti’s resilience has continued to shine through, and grassroots organizations have been vital in supporting the nation’s recovery.
The press and media have often focused on Haiti’s numerous crises, from political corruption to gang violence, but grassroots platforms like WeCareForHaiti.org offer a counter-narrative. These organizations showcase the determination of the Haitian people to rebuild their nation and provide essential resources for long-term recovery. The involvement of international NGOs and local organizations has also played a role in this process, though challenges remain.
In recent years, the humanitarian focus has shifted slightly, with some criticism that international aid efforts have not sufficiently empowered local organizations. Instead, much of the funding has flowed through international agencies, leaving local groups under-resourced. This has led to growing calls for more localized humanitarian approaches that give Haitian organizations a greater role in the relief process.
Audience and Impact
WeCareForHaiti.org appeals to a diverse audience, including the Haitian diaspora, international donors, and volunteers interested in humanitarian work. By serving as a bridge between global supporters and local initiatives, the platform has expanded its reach and continues to play an important role in connecting resources to the people of Haiti.
The Haitian diaspora, particularly in the United States, has been instrumental in providing both financial and social support to the country. Many Haitian Americans have taken on leadership roles in relief efforts, using their connections abroad to direct aid and resources to the areas that need it most. In addition, global donors who seek trustworthy platforms for their contributions often turn to WeCareForHaiti.org, as it provides clear and transparent information about where donations are going and how they are helping.
Known For and Recognition
WeCareForHaiti.org is recognized for its role in mobilizing support during critical moments, such as the 2010 earthquake and subsequent natural disasters. While not a traditional media platform, it has received attention from various news outlets and relief organizations for its efforts in coordinating aid.
The site has become known for promoting Haitian-led relief efforts and working closely with other non-profit organizations and government entities to deliver aid directly to affected communities. This grassroots approach has helped maintain the platform’s relevance over the years, even as global interest in Haitian crises waxes and wanes.
Details and Insights
One key insight that has emerged from the work done by WeCareForHaiti.org is the importance of localized solutions to long-term recovery. While international support is crucial, empowering local Haitian organizations to lead the charge in rebuilding their nation has proven to be more effective in creating sustainable change. This shift towards supporting Haitian-led initiatives is part of a larger trend in the humanitarian world, where the emphasis is increasingly on collaboration with local communities.
Another significant aspect of WeCareForHaiti.org’s work is its focus on education and empowerment. Many of the initiatives supported through the platform aim to provide Haitian children and young adults with access to education, skill-building, and leadership opportunities. By focusing on education, the platform helps to break the cycle of poverty that has long plagued the country.
Specific Examples of Work
WeCareForHaiti.org has supported numerous initiatives over the years, from emergency response efforts after earthquakes to long-term projects aimed at rebuilding infrastructure and providing healthcare. One notable project involved providing educational resources and opportunities for displaced Haitian youth, helping them gain the skills needed to rebuild their communities.
The platform has also been involved in organizing relief efforts during hurricane seasons, ensuring that affected areas receive food, water, and medical supplies. By working with both local and international partners, WeCareForHaiti.org has helped bridge the gap between immediate disaster response and long-term recovery efforts.
WeCareForHaiti.org has made a significant impact on both the international and local levels by mobilizing support for Haiti in times of crisis. Through its focus on empowerment, education, and grassroots solutions, the platform has become a key player in the ongoing effort to rebuild Haiti and support its people. By recognizing the resilience and strength of the Haitian community, WeCareForHaiti.org serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when global solidarity meets local leadership.
