Choosing the Right Charity to Donate to Haiti After the Earthquake

When considering a donation in support of the ongoing efforts following the Haiti earthquake, it is crucial to ensure that your contribution is directed towards organizations that can truly make a difference. This is often a daunting task, given the myriad of charitable organizations that claim to offer assistance. However, there are ways to choose a charity effectively.

The Importance of Evaluating Charities

Many donations end up in the pockets of individuals rather than being used for the intended purpose. This is especially evident in post-disaster and relief contexts, where some organizations prioritize their overhead and VIP salaries over actual aid delivery. Effective charities must demonstrate transparency and accountability, ensuring that donations are used as intended and that programs are aligned with the long-term well-being of the affected communities.

Independent Charity Evaluators

One such organization that provides independent evaluations of charities is GiveWell. GiveWell is an institution committed to identifying and providing comprehensive reports on charities, which help donors make informed decisions. Their recent report on disaster relief in Haiti, for instance, ranks major relief organizations based on the transparency of their efforts, the amount spent, and the actual achievements of the relief efforts.

The GiveWell Perspective

Based on the report, programs that align with the local mindset and aim for sustainable development can be more effective. While large NGOs often have high overhead costs, invest in assets before implementing their mission, and may prioritize marketing over actual services, there are organizations that stand out for their dedication and results. For instance:

Provide Long-Term Solutions, Not Just Short-Term Relief

Instead of focusing on immediate food or supplies, which might otherwise be available in the market, consider supporting organizations that focus on long-term solutions. Organizations like Inveneo, for example, develop distribution networks for U.S. IT companies with Haitian partners trained to use and install American products at full U.S. prices. However, recent developments have highlighted potential inefficiencies in funding allocation.

Supporting Local and Trusted Organizations

For medical aide, organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) are doing an excellent job establishing tent hospitals for short-term relief. They provide essential services to both children and adults, including gender-based violence (GBV) services, and have even appointed psychologists at tent hospitals in Port-au-Prince. On the other hand, Partners in Health is a well-integrated organization with 10 hospitals. They have a long-term relationship with community members and provide comprehensive medical services, including mental health and psychosocial assistance.

Empowering Survivors of GBV

For survivors of gender-based violence, local grassroots organizations such as FAVELIK (Creole acronym for KOFAVIV: Commission of Women Victims for Victims) play a critical role. Both organizations were founded by Haitian women who survived politically-driven sexual violence. They require basic resources like a printer, copy machine, computer, lights, and a safe shelter for women and girls who are facing targeted violence. Contact information for these organizations can be provided upon request.

Human Rights and Legal Perspective

For those interested in supporting human rights and legal assistance, organizations like the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti (IJDH) and the Bureau Des Avocats Internationaux (BAI) offer excellent services. These organizations are known for their outstanding integrity and commitment to justice in Haiti.

Conclusion

In summary, the key to effective donation during and after disasters is to focus on charities that align with long-term solutions and have a proven track record of transparency and accountability. By supporting organizations like GiveWell, Médecins Sans Frontières, Partners in Health, FAVELIK, and the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti, you can make a significant and sustainable impact in Haiti's recovery.