Helping Haiti

The tragic events in Haiti over the last week have captured our attention in a rare manner. Like Hurricane Katrina, the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, and the 9/11 attacks, the world is taking notice. In this case the suffering is all the more desperate because Haiti has such a history of instability.We are being inundated with reports and requests for help, along with media posturing and political spin. The challenge is to sort out what to do with the gut response of "We have to do something". Here are a few thoughts:1. Be wary of organizations you haven't heard of previously or that haven't worked in Haiti long term. There are both criminal opportunists and slightly naive legitimate charities that will welcome your dollars; but neither of them will ultimately do much good. There are cultural sensitivities and strategic hurdles to emergency interventions; don't support anyone you can't deeply trust, regardless of how poignant their appeal.2. Consider delaying your donation. The rebuilding of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina is estimated by people working in the ground in the gulf states to last another twenty years! There are both immediate emergency needs in Haiti and infrastructure needs that will last for years or longer. Giving in a hurry can be a way of relieving our emotional urgency without considering whether we are giving to the most useful aspect of the need. Mark Petersen articulates this very well.3. Give to organizations that are either large enough to work in a coordinated fashion on a national level or small enough to take very specific action. I feel confident in World Vision Canada as a large scale example and in Absolute.org for a focus on an individual orphanage where they have been involved for several years. Avoid small or new organizations that can't give a clear picture of exactly how they will help. Emergency work is complex and inexperience or lack of focus are signs of ineffectiveness.4. Think local as well. Many communities have Haitian immigrants and refugees who are now suffering with both known losses and the uncertainty of what may have happened to their loved ones. You may make a larger impact by connecting with these people than by giving money. In Hamilton, Micah House is involved with many recent arrivals from Haiti.5. Consider your own exposure. Are you and your family prepared for a crisis in your own lives or community? Have you talked about what is most important to you, what your priorities are, and your financial realities? Tragedy has a way of crystallising what matters most. Take the time to engage in a meaningful discussion.