ReliefWeb

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has issued an emergency appeal for Haiti, where millions of people have been affected by a major earthquake that struck the country on Tuesday, January 12. The exact number of casualties is unknown at this time, nor is the full extent of the damage; however, reports indicate that tens of thousands - possibly hundreds of thousands - of people are feared dead and countless others have been left homeless.

The Haitian infrastructure was already in a fragile state. The earthquake has caused widespread damage of homes and other buildings as well as damage to water, electrical and road systems. Symbols of security such as schools, hospitals and churches have been damaged or destroyed.

PDA Response

PDA is rushing an initial $100,000 from One Great Hour of Sharing and designated funds to help provide immediate emergency relief to the affected people. Funds are being sent through our ecumenical and local partners working in Haiti.

PC(USA) mission co-worker Carlos Cardenas is joining an ecumenical team through the Action by Churches Together (ACT) Alliance going to Haiti to help with the response and needs assessments.

Presbyterian World Mission is gathering information on the safety and status of our mission personnel and ecumenical partners in the area.

What you can do

You can stand in the gap for disaster survivors and help the church in this response.

GIVE. The generous sharing of your financial blessings through the One Great Hour of Sharing offering and special designated giving provide resources needed to assist with immediate and long-term recovery needs.

Individuals may give through your local Presbyterian congregation, on the secure PC(USA) Web site, or by sending a check to:

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

P.O. Box 643700

Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700

Please include the special designated giving account DR000064 - Haiti.

Congregations should send donations through their normal mission giving channels.

ACT. Stay informed and share information on the need with others. Sign up to receive PDA-RIN email notices to alert you of additional needs. Consider making Gift of the Heart hygiene kits. A shipment of hygiene kits is being prepared by Church World Service to send to Haiti. When widespread disasters occur, there is usually a need to replenish the supply to ensure a sufficient quantity for future disaster situations.