Haiti Efforts

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti

12 February 2010

Latter-day Saint Charities has been providing relief to those who have been displaced, injured, or otherwise suffering from the effects of the January 12, 2010, earthquake in Haiti.

The organization has already provided over one million pounds (25 semi–trucks) of food, hygiene kits, water filtration bottles, water systems, and medical supplies such as medicine and wheelchairs. Two thousand seven hundred tents have been distributed to families forced to leave their homes. Supplies are being shipped by air from the U.S. and by truck from the Dominican Republic.

Nine LDS chapels located in and around Port-au-Prince have been opened as shelters to support local communities. Food and other relief supplies brought into Haiti are being used at these shelters to assist with basic needs. Approximately half of the people being helped at or in Church facilities are members of other faiths.

Latter-day Saint Charities has had medical teams on the ground since January 16. The physicians are tending to the wounded by performing surgeries, setting broken bones, and providing other medical attention as needed. Physician teams continue to treat children and families in clinics established at these nine facilities. Mental health professionals were sent to address pressing mental health issues resulting from the disaster.

Local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continue to load and unload supply trucks. They are delivering foodstuffs and other medical supplies to those in need.

Latter-day Saint Charities, in order to provide relief assistance, has partnered with the following NGOs: CARE, Food for the Poor, International Relief and Development, American Red Cross, Islamic Relief, Helping Hands for Haiti, and the United Nations.