Haiti: Giving in Tragedy

Dave's team shares thoughts and ways to help

from daveramsey.com on 14 Jan 2010

Sixty seconds.

In the amount of time it takes to walk to your mailbox, an entire country was devastated. The 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12 left unimaginable damage in its wake.

Images and video from the impoverished country show bodies lining the streets and decimated cities. Hospitals, schools, prisons, and small family dwellings collapsed. The death toll could reach as high as 100,000, according to some estimates, and the International Red Cross says three million people will need emergency aid. For a country that was still reeling from a slew of hurricanes in 2008, an earthquake of this size must seem insurmountable.

That’s where we can step in and provide some measure of relief. All through Christmas, we talked about “giving like no one else.” Maybe some of the articles and videos on daveramsey.com got your attention or made you want to do something special.

Well, here’s your chance. The Christmas season of giving may be over, but now we have an opportunity to give something greater than a stocking stuffer. Now, we have a real chance to give hope.

Last year, several of Dave’s team members traveled to Haiti to work in an orphanage. Having experienced the country and interacted with the people of Haiti first-hand, they have a personal perspective on what Haiti is going through right now.

“By the world’s standards, the people of Haiti are tragically poor and destitute, and yet they are some of the happiest people I have ever met,” said Chris Thomas, Director of National Sales and Sponsorships for The Dave Ramsey Show. “Being there at the orphanage last year, I remember seeing the kids we spent time with—most of them without mothers and fathers—who were just happy to be alive. Now, all that they know has literally come crashing down.”

“While there’s never a good place for a disaster like this, I can’t think of a worse place for such a thing to happen,” said Joe Leavitt, Syndication Strategist for The Dave Ramsey Show. “The poorest country in the Western Hemisphere just got poorer.”

“If this earthquake happened in the United States, it would be a disaster, but we would be able to rally finances, hospitals and doctors to help in the long run,” added Blake Thompson, Senior Producer of The Dave Ramsey Show. “Haiti doesn’t have this privilege, so they’re counting on us, as the richest country in the Western Hemisphere, to help.”

Within days of the September 11 attacks, many Americans could simply hop on a plane to New York City to lend a hand. In this situation, travel isn’t so easy. As we sit in the comfort of our homes and watch this tragedy unfold on our televisions, the question is—how exactly can we help?

“As much as I want to take my girls shopping for supplies, I think Haiti needs money the most right now,” Leavitt said. “Getting the supplies there will be so difficult. And, many times, large shipments will get hung up in customs and red tape.”

Hundreds of organizations are working in some way to help with relief efforts. If you would like to help, here are just a few organizations to consider:

The American Red Cross has released $10 million to Haiti relief. According to the Red Cross, individuals can make an unrestricted donation to the International Response Fund at www.redcross.org or by calling 800.REDCROSS. You can also send a $10 donation to the Red Cross by texting “Haiti” to 90999. All funds will support American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti.
Samaritan’s Purse deployed its first emergency relief team just hours after the earthquakes. Samaritan’s Purse will use donation money to help with critically needed assistance, including water, temporary shelter, blankets, hygiene kits, medical aid and other essentials.
SafeWaterNexus is a program arm of GO InterNational. This Tennessee-based nonprofit organization is gathering basic medical supplies and hygiene products. They are accepting donations through their website, as well. Blake Thompson is planning a relief trip to Haiti with SafeWaterNexus next week. “Any funds donated to safewaternexus.org will be used immediately,” Blake said. “The need is urgent.”

The opportunities are unlimited. But be careful: Frauds and scam artists always crawl out of the woodwork after disasters like this, hoping to capitalize on a tragic situation. So make sure the organization you are dealing with is reputable.

If you can afford to give—even if you have to make some sacrifices in your budget this month (one less restaurant visit or cheaper groceries)—then please give. Every single dollar means something to Haiti and its desperate citizens.

Chris Thomas’ comments might best reflect the thoughts of many Americans right now: “I hate to admit it, but, for the first time in my life, I have wept for a tragedy that didn’t occur on American soil.”

Like Chris, so many of us feel the tragedy of Haiti in our hearts. Now, let’s take that passion, give like no one else, and see how quickly we can help get Haiti back on its feet.

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A friend and I started giving donations in each others names rather than giving birthday and Christmas gifts. Earthquake happened just a few days before her birthday, so I donated in her name-she said was her favorite gift. My employer has announced matching funds, so I will be donating there as well. I, like a previous post, will be slowing down on last few payments on car, As great as getting rid of that last debt would feel, it does not compare with being able to provide someone with food, shelter and clean water.
Amy Waryas Coleman January 22 2010 12:47 PM

Get your employeer involved. Our company is matching 100% of our donation. I donated more money because of this.
Steve January 19 2010 9:19 AM

Another great place to donate is "Christian Aid Ministries". They have been working in Haiti for the past 20 years and have contacts and facilities ready to go. I think Dave ought to do a little research on them and put a plug in for them on air. They are an example of his concepts that goes way back before the Dave Ramsey Show existed. Their contact info is CHRISTIAN AID MINISTRIES PO Box 360 Berlin, OH 44610 USA telephone: 330-893-2428
Delmer January 19 2010 8:54 AM

Thank You Dave and team...You are so awesome!
Holly White January 19 2010 12:34 AM

The Salvation Army is another excellent helping organization. In fact, their operating budget is much smaller than the Red Cross, so more of your money gets to the needy. You can do an internet search for articles telling about how much better they performed after Katrina than the Red Cross - plus they still meet spiritual needs, as well. The Red Cross no longer serves that need (although that was a part of their roots - hence, the "cross"). Thanks for all you do!
Ada Spegal January 18 2010 10:44 AM

Thank you Dave for continuing to educate and encourage. My cash was short this morning, but I gave all I had for the Haiti offering. I would encourage donating to Salvation Army or Samaritan's Purse rather than Red Cross. Besides working in Jesus'name, they are there until everyone else is long gone. Having been through a tornado, where Red Cross 'redirected' the unrestricted funds given specifically for our town even though there was much work still to do, I will not support Red Cross ever again. Choose the organization wisely, but DO give.
Lea January 17 2010 4:16 PM

We have taught our children Dave Ramsey's principals on money. And because of that our 7 year old said, "Mom, if I would have spent all my spending dollars on toys, I wouldn't have been able to give money to these kids that need help right now. I am so glad that I could give!" Now that's changing the family tree and the WORLD! Thank you Dave!
Dawn January 16 2010 9:21 AM

At the resort where I work we have many staff from Haiti who have lost all or part of their family members that were still living there. My employer has stepped up every effort to help those affected: supplying meals, driving them to where they need to be, setting up long distance phone lines for their use, allowing other staff to "buy-out" vacation time and transfer it to the staff and their families, and have started contributing and collecting funds and items needed which will be forwarded to selected organizations. Others have stepped up to volunteer their time to fill in. Haiti needs our help,and those here suffering through the loss and grief need our help to get through this tragedy.
Ellen January 15 2010 6:11 PM

Hi Dave and everyone - I have been involved in disaster management for many, many years. If you are going to donate, the very best thing you can do is just give cash. The Red Cross and the Salvation Army really prefer cash to anything else. They know what is needed and how much is needed and cash is the easiest to convert to those items. Especially in other countries. When we send tons of "stuff" we forget all of the logistics that goes with handling the stuff. Unloading, storing, stocking, sorting, etc. In an area like Haiti, where the place is devastated those logistical needs aren't available. Where do you store something when there are no buildings? I know we are wary of sending cash but both of those organizations have solid reputations. If you really want to bless them, if you can't donate your time, please just donate cash.
Julie Love January 15 2010 4:58 PM

I have several hundred dollars set aside this month for paying off my car - due to be paid off in May. But I think it'll be OK this month if I send this month to Haiti and wait to pay off the car until June. Or maybe I can just give up some more stuff this month (my small fun money) - for people who don't have ANYTHING right now. Thanks Dave & crew for the encouragement and compassion for those in need. Because of you, more people have the money to give when something happens like this.
Laura January 15 2010 12:26 PM

Another great organization is World Relief - www.WorldRelief.org. They have been in Haiti for several years - http://worldrelief.org/Page.aspx?pid=1530, and currently have Disaster Response staff on the ground in Port-au-Prince. For more information please click: http://worldrelief.org/Page.aspx?pid=2364
Jennifer January 15 2010 12:00 PM

As I reflect on my mission trip to Haiti this past week I am overcome with emotion! Although I know I am where God wants me to be, I wish now more than ever that I were still in Haiti to help those who cannot help themselves. Upon returning home this weekend, I was filled with hope, determination and a drive to improve the horrific living conditions of this impoverished country. My heart was broken wide-open by the precious faces of the beautiful children, the frail elderly, and the hard-working communities. I have never witnessed such open arms, loving hearts, smiling faces, tender touches, true affection and sincere appreciation - just for showing up! When I left Haiti, I left behind a huge piece of my heart! No matter what hope and happiness I was able to bring to the people of Haiti, it could never compare to the immeasurable love that I received in return! I am forever thankful to God for tugging at my heartstrings and allowing me this incredible opportunity to serve. My heart has been forever changed and they will never be forgotten. Being realistic and realizing that our mission is just a very small dent in the vast scheme of things, I was determined to bring the awareness of Haiti back to the United States. Now in hindsight I know that my plans are not always God’s plans! Thankfully, Haiti has now become known to the entire world, but unfortunately at the expense of so many innocent lives! Now, just a few days later, my heart has been broken into a million little pieces - as I watch from afar this already impoverished country facing the worst natural disaster of it’s lifetime. I pray for those who are suffering, that they find comfort, protection and love from the hands of those who care so much for them, and I pray for those who have perished as they find that same comfort and protection in the loving arms of Jesus! We are missing many of our children, staff and members of our mission team. In addition to all the unknown, please pray for our director of healinghaiti.org Jean Fil-saime, the director of our elderly program Andrenwah, the director of one of our two orphanages Yvon, the director of one of our three our schools Jean Garry, all our precious children, sweet baby Malanda, our eight water truck drivers, so many more. Please prayerfully consider a donation to healinghaiti.org so we can continue to support Mother Teresa’s Home for Sick and Dying Children, 53 children in our two orphanages and 16 staff, 1425 children in our three schools and 60 teachers, 15 street boys, the only “free” water truck in all of Haiti delivering over 200,000 gallons of clean water per week in Cite Soleil and Port au Prince, our bobcat and dump truck for debris removal, and so much more. We are desperate in our mission to come to the aid of God’s children! Thankfully, I will never see life through the same lens - as my life has been forever changed! Thank you for your prayers, donations and financial support! ~ Paulette Carroll ~
Paulette January 15 2010 11:16 AM

Dear Dave, We are giving to help Haitians through our church to an organization called Partners in Development (PID) in Massachusetts who do missionary work in Haiti and Guatemala. Having just finsished FPU in December, we have found a way to give now in this urgent time of need-no questions asked. Thank you for all you teach and for posting a means to help for everyone that doesn't have church connections.
Lynn January 15 2010 10:58 AM

One of several terrific organizations on the ground is Doctors Without Borders. They have doctors treating people on the streets because the hospitals and clinics have been destroyed. Doctors Without Borders (Medicins Sans Frontiers, internationally) sends medical people into crisis situations everywhere. http://doctorswithoutborders.org/news/article.cfm?id=4148&cat=field-news
Betsy Schwartz January 15 2010 10:33 AM

This time last year I wouldn't have known how to crunch the numbers to find some money to give .. Thanks to Dave I have a budget for giving and was able to send an amount that would have then put me behind but now able to give to a cause where in the eyes of Haitians I'm a "millionaire." God Bless Dave & his team & baby steps!
Nicole January 15 2010 10:05 AM

When determining which organizations are reputable, and which aren't, this site is the best reference out there: http://www.charitynavigator.org/
Brittany January 15 2010 10:01 AM

Thank you dave and team for posting this! I am one of many people who are worried about family over there and I TRULY touched by how generous, considerate, and willing people are to help!
Elly January 15 2010 9:47 AM

Thanks so much for the information. I'm on it and we're going to sit down with our budget and see where we can give. Time to look at the envelopes...
Jenni January 15 2010 9:42 AM

Dave, Thank you for posting this! The need is greater than we can even imagine! We adopted our daughter from Haiti and brought her home in October 2008. My husband and I traveled to get there. Your staff is exactly right, even though they live in extreme poverty, they are very happy and friendly!
Sarah January 15 2010 9:20 AM