Red Cross Haiti Response
January 21st, 2010In just the first week of the Haiti response effort, the American Red Cross already spent or committed $34 million (approximately 25 percent of what has been pledged or received) as of today. 50 percent of what has been committed or spent is being used to bring food and water to earthquake survivors. The American Red Cross is providing more than 3 million pre-packaged meals, more than 1 million water purification packets and thousands of jerry cans so people can collect and transport clean drinking water. 30 percent of what has been committed or spent is for purchasing and distributing relief supplies. This includes items such as blankets, tarps, soap, hygiene supplies, kitchen sets, and first aid supplies. 20 percent of what has been committed or spent is providing the logistical support and other items needed to keep the relief effort running. This includes the purchase of vehicles to deliver relief supplies, warehouse space, gasoline, transportation costs and the deployment of relief specialists. This category also includes the cost associated with the training and deployment of nearly 70 Creole speaking volunteer translators to the USNS Comfort.
People can donate in support of the relief effort in Haiti at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Mobile donors can text “Haiti” to 90999 to make a $10 contribution. A $10 donation made through mobile giving can provide a family with two water cans to store clean drinking water, a blanket appropriate to the climate or other supplies to give people the ability to cook for their families.
