Did you read about Haiti today?

Image courtesy of American Red Cross

As we all know by now, on January 12th, 2010, a 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti. But even though more than a month has passed and the news has turned to more timely matters, it's not a good idea for us to forget what happened.

The devastation was thorough: 150,000 dead, tens of thousands of children left orphaned, 500,000 homeless, lives lost, property destroyed, and families displaced, all in the blink of an eye. It was the worst disaster this hemisphere has seen in over two centuries.

Despite the success of early fundraising efforts, survivors still desperately need food, clean water, shelter, and first aid supplies. More importantly, the orphans, the injured, the homeless and the mourning need a plan for hope now that the immediate shock is over. Musicians, celebrities, and normal people have been organizing events to support Haiti for the past month, and even businesses are chipping in where they can (check out jewelry for a cause, for example.) Here at TILE, we're staying abreast of how some of our charity partners are continuing to help out in Haiti:

• The Global Fund for Children is working with a local organization based in the Dominican Republic called Movimiento de Mujeres Dominico-Haitianas – and 100% of all donations are going directly those who need it most.
• charity: water is on the scene as well, with a media-smart and locally-connected response. They're encouraging people to support their partners on the ground, Partners in Health and Concern Worldwide. Check out their blog to see images and videos (be prepared for heartache, of course).
• On the microfinance front, Accion is raising funds for their partner SOGESOL – a Haitian microlending institution which is working to support earthquake survivors.

Maybe you've already given to the cause, but while donor fatigue is real, the suffering on the ground in Port-au-Prince is also real. As a young person, it is really powerful to find the things that move you to action. If the devastation in Haiti has moved you, think about making a lasting impact with your next donation.