WELCOME

On the evening of January 12, 2010, an earthquake devastated Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. With limited communication leaving the island, major news networks reported on what was a night of absolute terror. Here in America, we could only feel sadness and overwhelming helplessness for a population of people suffering tremendously. For those with relatives and friends in Haiti, the situation was especially heartbreaking as most forms of correspondence were unavailable. Even today, families anxiously anticipate any kind of information regarding the safety and well being of loved ones.

Motivated by our compassion and concern, a few of us students decided to come together in effort to aid Haiti in any way we can. We know that many want to help as well so our goal is to provide students with the resources to do so. In this time of pain and tragedy, let us use our abilities to effect change for the survivors of this earthquake.

We are Students for Ayiti (Haiti).

Our objective as students over the next couple weeks, and what YOU can do right now:

1) MEET: An open forum for all students (university wide), faculty, and staff will be held on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 from 6pm to 7pm in Hammer LL103. In the meantime, please visit our blog at www.Students4Ayiti.blogspot.com and post any suggestions and ideas. Food will be served.
2) SIGN: We are encouraging everyone to sign this petition which will help grant temporary protected status for Haitian refugees currently here in the United States. Together, let’s tell president Obama to order the Department of Homeland Security to grant Temporary Protective Status to undocumented Haitian refugees. The link is here: http://bit.ly/8lCnb2
3) DONATE: The following are organizations that we, Students for Ayiti, find the most reputable, please read carefully and visit their websites*:

Doctors without Borders - http://bit.ly/4QI7wN
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian organization created by doctors and journalists in France in 1971. Your gift will support emergency medical care for the men, women, and children affected by the earthquake in Haiti.

Haitian Relief Fund - http://bit.ly/8vt3sL
Haiti Emergency Relief Fund was established by a group of people who have been doing Haiti solidarity work since 1991, working closely with Haitians to build and support mass-based civic groups on the ground there-- unions, peasant cooperatives, schools, women's organizations and more.

Partners in Health - http://bit.ly/5KEwXa
Partners in Health was founded in 1987, two years after the Clinique Bon Sauveur was set up in Cange, Haiti, to deliver health care to the residents of the mountainous Central Plateau. Partners in Health provide primary access to health care, free education for the poor, community partnerships, and social needs. Their goals are to care for patients and alleviate the root cause of disease.

The American Red Cross - http://bit.ly/7zOGEW
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization the provides emergency assistance, disaster relief and education. Your donation will support emergency relief and recovery efforts to those people affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Assistance provided by the American Red Cross may include sending relief supplies, mobilizing relief workers and providing financial resources and recovery. All donations to the American Red Cross are tax-deductible.

We are looking forward to meeting all of you. Please sign the petition, post your ideas on our blog, and DONATE! Keep all those affected in your thoughts and prayers.

--S4A

NYC students interested in helping with Haiti relief efforts? Join our mailing list, email us at Students4Ayiti@gmail.com

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @Students4Ayiti

*Students for Ayiti have suggested these organizations based on known reputation or personal experience with each organization. This list is not to exclude other organizations, but to focus donations on health related initiatives.