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| 2010 Haiti Earthquake Response |
| The Role of United Way Following the Earthquake in Haiti United Way's role is to support long-term recovery efforts to rebuild lives and infrastructure devastated by the disaster in Haiti, and to help residents address educational, financial and health-related challenges. United Way Worldwide members in the Caribbean region have mobilized their staff, volunteer leaders and resources in response and will act in an advisory role to determine the most pressing long-term recovery needs. Examples may include access to health care, rebuilding schools and housing, and meeting critical basic needs for shelter, food and clothing. How People Can Help Financial Donations Financial donations to the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund will assist these communities and the people whose lives have been devastated by the earthquake. Financial donations can be made to the Fund online at www.liveunited.org, or by phone at 1-866-404-5826. Questions about the Fund can be directed to this toll-free number. People can give a $5 donation by texting HAITI to 864833 (UNITED). Standard text messaging rates apply. Checks can be made out to United Way and mailed to United Way Worldwide, P.O.Box 630568, Baltimore, MD 21263-0568. The memo line should include "United Way Disaster Recovery Fund." 95% of every contribution goes directly toward long-term recovery work, the remaining 5% covers transaction costs of contribution processor. Volunteering United Way is coordinating with VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster), which is taking the lead in assessing needs and opportunities in Haiti. At present, we are not accepting volunteers to travel to Haiti. Product Donations Unsolicited donations of goods and services from individuals and community groups, though well intentioned, have hidden costs and pose a number of complications for recovery efforts. United Way Worldwide is unable to accept such donations at this time. Organizations that are accepting donations are the AidMatrix Network www.aidmatrix.org or call (469) 357-3185 and Gifts In Kind International. Gifts In Kind works primarily with corporate donors who give product donations in large amounts. Help Locating Loved Ones Those trying to locate U.S. citizens living or traveling in Haiti should contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizens Services, at 888-407-4747 or 202-647-5225, or go to http://travel.state.gov/travel/about/who/who_1245.html |
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