Volunteering in Haiti

[Saint Nick]

Anyway to do this? I checked UNICEF and Red Cross but couldn't find anything.

Any help?

I'd start with looking for ways to support Doctors Without Borders or the Mercy Ships. Mercy Ships might be a very good option in this case because this is exactly the type of disaster they are well-equipped to swoop in and deal with.

http://www.mercyships.org/

A personal recommendation from me would be St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Little Rock, AR. They've sent teams to Haiti before, have connections there, and they are good people seriously interested in helping those in need. My sister led one of their youth teams several years ago.

http://www.saintandrews-lr.org/missions_world.htm

Got this info from my dear friend Clem (a leader in the Hatian Community in NYC).... ​

We need your help more than ever, HAUC (Haitian Americans United for a Change) will put together a releif effort to help the Haitians in Haiti. Please email us at info@hauc.org or call us 888-509-4282. It is the time to come together.Thank you We will need a lot of Volunteers, non Perishable items, medical supplies, clothes,Toiletries, we need the world Help.​

 

[Newbian]

Can I have your porn collection while you are away?

I promise not to get it to sticky.

 

[dennilfloss]

Keep in mind that Haiti is a very lawless and dangerous place even in normal times.

 

[AreaCode707]

I'd start with looking for ways to support Doctors Without Borders or the Mercy Ships. Mercy Ships might be a very good option in this case because this is exactly the type of disaster they are well-equipped to swoop in and deal with.

http://www.mercyships.org/

A personal recommendation from me would be St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Little Rock, AR. They've sent teams to Haiti before, have connections there, and they are good people seriously interested in helping those in need. My sister led one of their youth teams several years ago.

http://www.saintandrews-lr.org/missions_world.htm

 

[biggestmuff]

don't go dyin'

 

[vital]

why don't you just donate money

 

[Saint Nick]

I'd start with looking for ways to support Doctors Without Borders or the Mercy Ships. Mercy Ships might be a very good option in this case because this is exactly the type of disaster they are well-equipped to swoop in and deal with.

http://www.mercyships.org/

A personal recommendation from me would be St. Andrew's Anglican Church in Little Rock, AR. They've sent teams to Haiti before, have connections there, and they are good people seriously interested in helping those in need. My sister led one of their youth teams several years ago.

http://www.saintandrews-lr.org/missions_world.htm

Good stuff, thank you for the info. I e-mailed the Red Cross and am awaiting a reply. I am also interested in the links you provided, and will check those out soon

why don't you just donate money

It would be more fulfilling to just go and volunteer for a month

 

[destrekor]

It would be more fulfilling to just go and volunteer for a month

a month?! Is this your way of attempting suicide through indirect means? They'll probably never find your body either, so hope you didn't plan on a fancy burial.

I don't think I'd go to Haiti when it was in it's best shape. Let alone after utter devastation.
Only way for that place to get better is to be placed under Martial Law by a developed nation.

 

[slackerinabox]

Don't have any information, but I thought I'd give you some props for caring enough to put yourself in some danger to help others.

Actually, I doubt this will be useful but the J.K. Watson foundation (IBM Founder's non-profit) sent my ex to Malowi (sp?) for humanitarian reason (she helped launch an aids education program). They paid for travel, housing, and security.

 

[surfsatwerk]

I admired your desire to help your fellow man, but I'm glad I can be fulfilled in my life by things other than dying in some god forsaken hell hole.

 

[slackerinabox]

And, honestly, if you're part of a humanitarian group security will be provided - it won't be a walk in the park but organizations won't let their members get hurt.

 

[shiner]

I feel for the people there, but how about we worry about our own people here in the States before we go trotting off around the world to feed/clothe/house everyone else?

If you want to volunteer do it at a local soup kitchen, with habitat for humanity, Goodwill, The Salvation Army, etc, etc, etc...

 

[slackerinabox]

I feel for the people there, but how about we worry about our own people here in the States before we go trotting off around the world to feed/clothe/house everyone else?

If you want to volunteer do it at a local soup kitchen, with habitat for humanity, Goodwill, The Salvation Army, etc, etc, etc...

Why, are you the master of all things charitable and feel obligated to convince people how they use their time?

I've actually thought this and have gotten into arguments with one of my hippy friend - "Dolphin rescues? What about people? Why not work at a homeless shelter?" Their reply was kinda right on "I do both.. Actively.. What exactly do you do? Life is not all or nothing."

Haiti needs help. The homeless here need help. Luckily, we have people out there who want to help either or both missions... I applaud those people, and I don't think anyone should be discouraged. I have a Habitat for Humanity build on Saturday that I really look forward to because, frankly, I just hate being a hypocrite who sits on his ass and does nothing for the greater good.. I'm not saying everyone should grab a shovel/hammer/their wallets, but I also don't see the reason to discourage people..

Honestly, I bet going to Haiti now will be a life changing event... I'm kinda envious of your bravery, OP

 

[shiner]

Why, are you the master of all things charitable and feel obligated to convince people how they use their time?

I've actually thought this and have gotten into arguments with one of my hippy friend - "Dolphin rescues? What about people? Why not work at a homeless shelter?" Their reply was kinda right on "I do both.. Actively.. What exactly do you do? Life is not all or nothing."

Haiti needs help. The homeless here need help. Luckily, we have people out there who want to help either or both missions... I applaud those people, and I don't think anyone should be discouraged. I have a Habitat for Humanity build on Saturday that I really look forward to because, frankly, I just hate being a hypocrite who sits on his ass and does nothing for the greater good.. I'm not saying everyone should grab a shovel/hammer/their wallets, but I also don't see the reason to discourage people..

Honestly, I bet going to Haiti now will be a life changing event... I'm kinda envious of your bravery, OP

I just have a problem with people who feel like they need to go help the less fortunate everywhere else before even considering helping their own. We have plenty of people suffering here that could use our help.

I know what you are saying and respect your opinion. Don't really want to argue about it here and drag this thread down that hole. In fact if the mods want to delete my posts here then I would be fine with it. Not the right place for an argument.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Good luck OP! Ignore the trolls...

 

[guyver01]

Got this info from my dear friend Clem (a leader in the Hatian Community in NYC).... ​

We need your help more than ever, HAUC (Haitian Americans United for a Change) will put together a releif effort to help the Haitians in Haiti. Please email us at info@hauc.org or call us 888-509-4282. It is the time to come together.Thank you We will need a lot of Volunteers, non Perishable items, medical supplies, clothes,Toiletries, we need the world Help.​

 

[lxskllr]

There's a lot of AIDS in Haiti, and a lot of bloody people....

 

[Firsttime]

There's a lot of AIDS in Haiti, and a lot of bloody people....

And I imagine any group of people going down will bring a lot of gloves and masks to protect themselves from aidsy blood.

As someone who's spent time in Haiti in the past I encourage you to go and help if you feel like that's something you should do. It's amazing that so close to the wealthiest country in the world there is a country with as much abject poverty as Haiti (although it is easy to understand why there is poverty there once you learn their history). It is not as dangerous as the media makes it out to be, no more so then the downtown sections of many US cities, probably less so. Helping in a situation like this has the potential to be a life changing experience with the possibility of reshaping your whole outlook on life.

 

[slackerinabox]

I just have a problem with people who feel like they need to go help the less fortunate everywhere else before even considering helping their own. We have plenty of people suffering here that could use our help.

I know what you are saying and respect your opinion. Don't really want to argue about it here and drag this thread down that hole. In fact if the mods want to delete my posts here then I would be fine with it. Not the right place for an argument.

I actually hear you, but we need all kinds of people and all kinds of charity work. Heck, my dad dreams about going back to India and setting up a foundation to help the village he grew up in, but I still wonder why he doesn't attempt to help the country that made him instead. There's this belief by many that social programs in the U.S. makes local charitable giving unnecessary, but have you ever driven by the ghetto? People here need help too, and it's not just money - I *completely* agree with you.

I think there's a middle ground, and I also had your original perspective, but now feel it is a bit jingoistic - we're all part of this world, right?

 

[Jeeebus]

And, honestly, if you're part of a humanitarian group security will be provided - it won't be a walk in the park but organizations won't let their members get hurt.

do you have any idea how many humanitarian group workers are kidnapped/murdered around the world every year, or are you just talking out of your ass?

 

[slackerinabox]

do you have any idea how many humanitarian group workers are kidnapped/murdered around the world every year, or are you just talking out of your ass?

How about you tell me how many people are kidnapped/murder around the world as part of a humanitarian group, attempting to help others, and contrast that with how many people are murdered/kidnapped die yearly doing absolutely nothing...

I would not go into Iraq or Afghanistan right now (or any hostile nation we're at war with) but, based on everything I hear from mission workers, my numerous hippy friends, and my ex who tried to heal the world - security is often provided, and they're all fine as long as they stick to their group. Of course there are risks, but I'm sure the OP is aware of that.

 

[slackerinabox]

Got this info from my dear friend Clem (a leader in the Hatian Community in NYC).... ​

We need your help more than ever, HAUC (Haitian Americans United for a Change) will put together a releif effort to help the Haitians in Haiti. Please email us at info@hauc.org or call us 888-509-4282. It is the time to come together.Thank you We will need a lot of Volunteers, non Perishable items, medical supplies, clothes,Toiletries, we need the world Help.​

Thank you so much for that info - email sent and their president, Ketlie Chrispin quickly replied. Thanks for this thread as well, I hate feeling powerless in the face of tragedy so, helping them send mass emails might be trivial but at least its something

 

[AreaCode707]

I feel for the people there, but how about we worry about our own people here in the States before we go trotting off around the world to feed/clothe/house everyone else?

If you want to volunteer do it at a local soup kitchen, with habitat for humanity, Goodwill, The Salvation Army, etc, etc, etc...

If you saw someone with a cardboard sign on your right and someone trapped under a building on your left, would you pull out your wallet or start moving rubble? I think that's what the OP is looking at here.

(I've been involved in feed the homeless ministries here in the States as well as doing some minor work in Mexico on an orphanage and drug rehab center.)

I thought of another connection to Haiti that I know of:

http://www.farmhousecheeses.com/charity-support.shtml

This is a Canadian cheesemaker who supports a project in Haiti to start a goat dairy and help the people become self-sustaining. We've met the folks at the Canadian end of this operation and they're great people.

If anyone in the thread is looking for a way to contribute to Haiti financially, this might be a good place to check out. Direct to the Haitian site:
http://www.haitiarise.org/

 

[Jeeebus]

How about you tell me how many people are kidnapped/murder around the world as part of a humanitarian group, attempting to help others, and contrast that with how many people are murdered/kidnapped die yearly doing absolutely nothing...

I would not go into Iraq or Afghanistan right now (or any hostile nation we're at war with) but, based on everything I hear from mission workers, my numerous hippy friends, and my ex who tried to heal the world - security is often provided, and they're all fine as long as they stick to their group. Of course there are risks, but I'm sure the OP is aware of that.

I think I would rather be an aid worker in Afghanistan right now than in Haiti. At least Afghanistan has some semblance of a central government authority/security. I bring up Afghanistan because I've helped a few Afghanis gain asylum in the US the past couple years.

To your point - this is from the US State Dep't Country Report on Human Rights - Afghanistan:

UNAMA reported 260 abductions during the year, at least 40 of which resulted in the death of the hostage; however, the unreported number was believed to be much higher. The Afghanistan International Chamber of Commerce reported insurgents and others kidnapped 173 businesspersons during the past three years. UNAMA reported insurgents and others kidnapped 141 aid workers during the year, including 134 Afghans and seven international staff. UNAMA also reported insurgents and criminal gangs killed 38 aid workers and looted 70 aid convoys during the year. Taliban, militants, tribal leaders, and insurgents abducted security forces, civilians, and journalists for political and financial gain. Many abductees were killed but some were allowed to live if they vowed to resign, join anti-government elements, or, in the case of journalists, stop reporting on issues objectionable to the kidnappers.

On August 26, unknown assailants abducted and killed a Japanese aid worker in Nangarhar province.

http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/sca/119131.htm

Or perhaps Darfur:

Since the beginning of the year, 170 aid workers have been abducted and 11
killed.

www.humanrightsfirst.org/pdf/081201-HRF-rhetoric-vs-reality.pdf

This Wiki page also has some general info on attacks: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attacks_on_humanitarian_workers#2009


EDIT: I'm not saying it's not a noble cause to offer one's help in a time of dire need. I'm simply saying that your point of "don't worry... aid organizations will protect you" is idiotic and not based on any facts.

 

[slackerinabox]

I think I would rather be an aid worker in Afghanistan right now than in Haiti. At least Afghanistan has some semblance of a central government authority/security. I bring up Afghanistan because I've helped a few Afghanis gain asylum in the US the past couple years.

To your point - this is from the US State Dep't Country Report on Human Rights - Afghanistan:



http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/sca/119131.htm

Or perhaps Darfur:



www.humanrightsfirst.org/pdf/081201-HRF-rhetoric-vs-reality.pdf

This Wiki page also has some general info on attacks: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attacks_on_humanitarian_workers#2009

My statement was rhetorical - I can die right now, if a drunk driver deems so. Some people have the bravery and the insight to help others, even knowing their walking into danger. I applaud those people, even though I'm personally too much of a pussy to do so. Also, you CAN find an organization that provides security for it's workers. My ex was an 19 year old girl when she went to Africa- JK Watson foundation provided 24 hour protection, and urged people not to leave the site after sun down without an escort.