ReliefWeb

In response to yesterday's devastating earthquake in Haiti, Jesuit Refugee Service is mounting an emergency relief effort to provide lifesaving aid, including food and other urgently needed items, to the Haitian people. Aid will be provided in partnership with the JRS - Latin America & Caribbean regional office, and distributed through JRS programs in the Dominican Republic, Jesuit parishes and other Jesuit programmes in Haiti.

For many years Jesuit Refugee Service has had a grassroots presence in Haiti and has provided humanitarian assistance to displaced Haitians in both the Dominican Republic and along the Haitian border. In addition, JRS has responded to the needs of Haitians following successive natural disasters, a food crisis, and repeated hurricanes.

Guided by the example of the Good Samaritan of the Gospel, we raise our prayers in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Haiti.

Speaking at the Vatican today, Pope Benedict XVI said "I appeal to the generosity of all people so that these brothers and sisters of ours who are experiencing a moment of need and suffering may not lack our concrete solidarity and the effective support of the international community. The Catholic Church will not fail to move immediately, through her charitable institutions, to meet the most immediate needs of the population."

To support JRS USA's humanitarian response to the emergency needs of the Haitian people, please use this link to be directed to our secure website: http://www.jrsusa.org/support_donate_credit.php