The response to the earthquake in Haiti is one of the largest the world has ever seen, and coordination of resources, personnel and aid has been challenging for many organizations.
While we’ve provided some immediate aid—through our networks, United Way has distributed water, juice, over-the counter medicines, first aid products, protein bars, canned foods and cleaning supplies—we continue to communicate to our donors that United Ways’ most important role is to assist with long-term recovery efforts.

Our experience has taught us to be deliberate as we consider how best to invest their donations to help those affected by the disaster.

Through our partnership with Polo Ralph Lauren, we have made an initial grant to Project Medishare to transport medical volunteers and supplies, as well as food and water, to Haiti, and we are developing a plan for how the balance of the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund will be invested.

Additional developments in the United Way Haiti response:

• United Way of New York City and the Brooklyn Community Foundation launched the NYC Haitian Community Hope and Healing Fund. The Fund is a long-term initiative that will help strengthen New York City community based organizations so they can most effectively serve the anticipated increased number of people affected bythe Haiti earthquake who need assistance.

• United Way of Palm Beach County raised $45,000 and has distributed the first portion to Missionary Flights International (MFI). Their Board met last week to approve additional funds to MFI as well as Communities in Schools to support the needs of Haitian children coming into their community.

• Switchboard of Miami, which operates the 2-1-1 program, is recruiting volunteers to provide grief counseling and is offering services at Miami-Dade County welcome centers including Homestead, St. Thomas University and Miami International Airport. Potential volunteers must pass a mandatory background check. As of February 3, 17,000 people entered Florida through the Repatriation program. Among those, 195 are medical evacuees—23 remain hospitalized.

• United Way of Thailand presented United Way Worldwide Board Member, Arthur Bellis, with a check for $5,000 for the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund to go toward our recovery and rebuilding efforts in Haiti. In response to the crisis in Haiti, women’s fashion retailer, New York & Company, is helping raise funds for the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund. New York & Company will collect donations in every one of its 580 stores and online at nyandcompany.com. The company is asking every customer to add any amount to their purchase and has generously agreed to match 100% of customer donations up to $100,000. United Way is excited to partner with this national brand to help Haiti rebuild in the weeks, months and years ahead—because, as the marketing for New York & Company explains, “The Recovery is Just Beginning.”

• Polo Ralph Lauren continues to make giving fashionable with the sale of their limited edition Haiti Relief Polo Shirt to benefit the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund. 100% of the proceeds from online and in-store sales of the Polo Shirt, along with a corporate contribution, and an employee and corporate matching program will be donated to the Disaster Fund. United Way is proud to partner with Polo Ralph Lauren to raise funds for the relief efforts in Haiti. Buy your polo today to lend your support!

Getting prepared for disaster is easier than you think.

September is National Preparedness Month and the Department of Homeland Security along with the support of coalition partners, is working to increase public awareness about emergency preparedness. During the month of September, consider taking steps to prepare your family or company for an emergency.

This year, National Preparedness Month focuses on encouraging individuals, families and communities to get an Emergency Supply Kit; make a Family Emergency Plan; get informed about emergencies and their appropriate responses; and participate in emergency volunteer efforts.

To help you, your family or your organization prepare for an emergency, you can take some simple steps.
To engage the people in your community on the topic of preparedness, consider these ideas:
•    Organize scavenger hunts to teach children about the items to include in an emergency kit
•    Hold poster or essay contests
•   Organize preparedness fairs with nonprofit partners, faith-based organizations, public health agencies and  government departments
•    Convene workshops for business leaders
•    Support emergency drills
•    Educate those who rely on federal benefits about direct deposit and electronic fund transfers, a more convenient and safer way to get their money

Join us as we LIVE UNITED by raising awareness about National Preparedness Month in September.

Find out more about National Preparedness Month

Another great site, Do 1 Thing, encourages everyone to do at least one thing each month to make sure you’re ready in case a disaster happens.