On January 12, 2010, Haiti experienced the worst earthquake in the country’s history. The nation’s capital, Port-au-Prince, and its 3 million residents were devastated by the disaster. Thousands are estimated to be dead and even larger numbers are now struggling to survive without shelter or access to basic resources.

In response to this tragedy, Citizen Effect has partnered with CARE to ensure that the earthquake’s survivors receive the food, water, and medical aid they urgently need as quickly as possible. Although Citizen Effect does not focus on emergency relief, we have initiated a partnership with CARE to provide critical assistance in Haiti. CARE has operated in Haiti since 1954, working with local communities and other aid organizations to achieve sustainable development. In that timeframe, CARE has also provided emergency relief when necessary, recently as 2008 in the wake of a serious hurricane.

This project will help provide the earthquake’s survivors with the clean water, shelter, food, and the medical attention they urgently need. Its funding will also support the deployment of additional CARE staff who will join the 133 team members already on the ground in Haiti as they develop and implement an appropriate response plan. Join Brighter Way Haiti Choir in our efforts to provide immediate assistance to the thousands of Haitians who are struggling to cope with this tragic disaster.

On Tuesday, January 12th, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. The quake's epicenter was just 10 miles south of the country's capital, Port-au-Prince, home to approximately 3 million people, the majority of whom live on less than $2 per day. Thousands are feared dead, and many more have lost their homes in the most powerful quake ever recorded in the country’s history.

Early reports from the media and CARE staff indicate that the capital city is in ruins. Most of the buildings have collapsed, including many homes and schools. The Red Cross estimates that several million people have been affected by the disaster and Haitian President René Préval confirmed, "It is a catastrophe."

Communications were significantly damaged during the earthquake so exact figures not yet available, but there is no doubt that Port-au-Prince is facing an urgent crisis. Initial reports suggest that many buildings housing essential services such as hospitals have been destroyed. Without prompt action, these losses mean that conditions in the region could worsen, transforming the current disaster into a major catastrophe.

Community member details not available yet.

Direct Impact of Your Project

• Provides emergency relief supplies including clean water, food, and medical aid to the earthquake’s potentially 3 million victims
• Ensures a team of experts are present in Haiti to formulate a response plan that will effectively and efficiently address the country’s devastation

Extended Impact on Your Partner Community

• Prevents the critical conditions caused by the tragedy from worsening and resulting in any further loss of life
• Provides the earthquake’s victims with the humanitarian supplies they need to survive so they will be able to rebuild their lives and nation
• Assists with the development of a response plan that will facilitate the reconstruction of Port-au-Prince and its surrounding region