Members and Friends,

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those who continue to suffer in the aftermath of the earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, as well as their families around the world. As rescue efforts continue, it is apparent that relief and recovery will takes months and years.

We encourage everyone in our community to contribute to these much needed efforts, if you have not already done so. The need is urgent and immediate. The most important and effective contribution at this time is a cash donation.

Our offerings collected during worship services Sunday, January 17 will be donated to the Hôpital Albert Schweitzer. More information on their important work can be found below.

If you would like to make your contribution directly, we encourage you to consider three organizations with close ties to our Congregation. Of course, there are many other respected relief organizations and all contributions are welcome.

Thank you for your generosity!

Hôpital Albert Schweitzer


Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS), located 40 miles northwest of Port-au-Prince, was able to withstand the recent devastating earthquake and is currently operating with full staff helping victims. With mass casualty protocols in place, the medical staff is evaluating each patient, performing diagnostic tests and delivering life saving care. Due to the expertise developed over its 54 year history, Hôpital Albert Schweitzer Haiti (HAS) is one of the few institutions positioned to provide timely hospital care for the injured. As the flow of people urgently seeking care increases over the next few days and weeks, their resources will be pushed to the breaking point.

For 54 years Hôpital Albert Schweitzer has been collaborating with the people of the Artibonite Valley to improve their health and their standard of living. Through the hospital, a community development program, and a community health program that supervises a network of small health centers it works daily to improve lives. UTUUC members Vera and Duane Dowell spent several years working at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer and confirm the massive task ahead. The current director has reported to them that cash is the most immediate need; personnel and material needs will follow later.

Donations can be made directly to them at their website: http://www.hashaiti.org/

Daily updates on their work can be found on their blog: http://hashaiti.blogspot.com/


 

Unitarian Universalist Service Committee/Unitarian Universalist Association
Joint Earthquake Relief Fund


In the wake of devastation wrought by the earthquake which struck the island of Haiti on January 12, 2010, the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC) and the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) are launching a joint relief effort to bring aid to the impoverished island nation. UUSC's disaster response in Haiti will focus on those survivors less likely to have access to aid, such as child domestic workers (restaviks), women-headed households that work in the informal sector, and people living with HIV/AIDS. Haiti has a vibrant grassroots movement with a vision of empowering people. UUSC will work closely with partners in this grassroots movement to reach those survivors at greatest risk of being overlooked.

Donations can be made online here:
https://secure2.convio.net/uusc/site/Donation2?df_id=1720&1720.donation=form1


 

Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights
Emergency Fund for Haiti

Heartland Alliance has established an emergency fund to assist survivors of the devastating January 12 earthquake in Haiti. A Heartland Alliance team, including UTUUC member Beth Dowell, will be leaving early next week to participate in on-the-ground assessments and in planning emergency responses with governmental, international, and community groups. Heartland Alliance's focus is on three major areas: immediate protection services, short and long term psychosocial services, and health care. Heartland Alliance is a Chicago organization with roots going back 120 years serving human need and human rights.

Persons interested in making a contribution to the Heartland Alliance Emergency Fund for Haiti can do so by sending a check to the attention of Heartland Alliance International Programs, 208 S. LaSalle, Suite 1818, Chicago, IL 60604. Checks should be made payable to Heartland Alliance/Haiti.

Information can be found on their website: http://www.heartlandalliance.org/