ReliefWeb

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's thoughts are with the people of Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck on January 12, 2010. In response, we are providing a $1 million grant to Catholic Relief Services (CRS), which has experienced personnel and a stock of emergency supplies in Haiti. This grant will help cover CRS's initial relief efforts, which include addressing the immediate shelter, food, water, sanitation, health and other needs of those affected by the quake. CRS will also continue on-the-ground assessment of the damage.

The international community is responding to this disaster with compassion and urgency; many governments, UN agencies and aid groups are mobilizing teams and resources. The humanitarian conditions are catastrophic, and much more will need to be done to address the immediate situation, as well as support the sustained recovery efforts in the weeks and months ahead so that people can rebuild their lives.

The foundation is continuing to monitor the situation and exploring additional opportunities to provide support for the relief efforts.

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Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people-especially those with the fewest resources-have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Jeff Raikes and Co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Phone: +1.206.709.3400
Email: media@gatesfoundation.org