Catholic Relief Services Update on Haiti

Haiti Earthquake
The U.S. Catholic Church Responds

Special Report *
Haiti’s Reality
CRS has worked in Haiti for over 50 years. Even before the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake, Haiti was a country in need. The nation is the poorest in the Western Hemisphere with 80 percent of the population falling below the poverty line. Estimates are over 150,000 people were killed and 1.5 million were left homeless.
Latest News from CRS/Caritas Haiti
"It may look to many in the rest of the world that those in need are not receiving any aid, but actually thousands here in Port-au-Prince are getting help," said Karel Zelenka, the CRS country representative in Haiti. To date, CRS has:
• Provided food to 113,978 people, and non-food items to 21,736 people, distributing an average of 62 metric tons of food per day.
• Sent in medical teams that are treating 300 people per day.
• Supported 2,500 people at Missionaries of Charity centers.
• For up-to-date information visit www.crs.org or crs-blog.org.
The U.S. Catholic Community Responds
Examples of the enormous compassion and generosity of the U.S. Catholic community:
• CRS has received $31.8 million in cash donations and commitments.
• Parishes are reporting extremely generous second collections for Haiti, such as Our Lady Queen of Peace in Arlington, VA, which raised 7 times the normal second collection. Oakland Cathedral in California held a benefit choral concert.
• Hundreds of Catholic parishes with twinning relationships in Haiti are using social networks to help. St. Brendan’s in Cumming, GA organized a “virtual prayer circle” for Haiti.
• Catholic universities, such as Notre Dame and Catholic University, responded immediately by setting up special websites. Others held special masses, prayer services and concerts. Seattle University students cancelled a previously planned trip to Haiti and are now raising funds. Basketball teams at Assumption College in Worchester, MA organized a half-time raffle. The Newman Center at Minnesota State University is organizing a benefit Valentine’s Day dinner. More stories…
• Catholic youth and schools are responding with prayers and fundraisers such as dress down days wearing the Haiti colors of red and blue. Some have contributed money in lieu of lunch snacks or are holding Raise Money Right chocolate fundraisers. Many teachers are using a CRS lesson plan to teach about Haiti.
How You Can Help
Visit: www.crs.org for prayers, resources and information about the Haiti Earthquake. See us on Facebook.
Call: 877-Help-CRS (877-435-7277) or Text RELIEF to 25383 to donate $10 on your phone bill.
Mail: Catholic Relief Services, Attn: Haiti Earthquake, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21203-7090
Advocate: Join the Catholics Confront Global Poverty legislative network to advocate for issues including international assistance reform, relieving Haiti’s debt, and help for Haitian refugees.
Please share this with other Catholics interested in responding to the Haiti earthquake relief effort.

*Special Report #2, rev 2-1-10 cl/SE