I appeal to the generosity of all to ensure our concrete solidarity and the effective support of the international community for these brothers and sisters who are living a time of need and suffering.
I invite everyone to join in my prayer to the Lord for the victims of this catastrophe and for those who are mourning their loss. I assure my spiritual closeness to people who have lost their homes and to all those affected in various ways by this calamity, imploring from God consolation and relief of their suffering — Pope Benedict XVI commenting on the Haitian earthquake during his Wednesday audience.
We are recommending donations to these three relief organizations due to their record of working in the area and their fiscal responsibility.
Food For the Poor has been active in Haiti for many years. They have won many awards and high rankings for being an efficiently run charity. You can find a dedicated space on their site for giving donations to Haiti relief.
Catholic Relief Services already had 300 personnel on the ground in Haiti and as they are accounted for and able to get to work, they are transporting food relief from neighboring Dominican Republic. The CRS blog will have constant updates on the relief efforts. Click here for: The Haiti emergency page.
Cross International Catholic Outreach works on many projects in Haiti, including orphanages, health clinics, agriculture, and housing. Their donation system permits you to target your gift to a specific project if you so desire. Click here to donate.
All aid agencies are letting it be known that cash donations are preferred at this stage of the effort over donations of goods.
