Below is the information from the Habitat website concerning how Habitat will help respond to the horrible earthquake in Haiti.  Individuals may make donations to Habitat for assistance to Haiti online at www.habitat.org 

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 13, 2010) — Habitat for Humanity International will respond to a 7.0 earthquake near Port-au-Prince and is currently assessing the impact on affordable housing. 

“Habitat for Humanity will mobilize all available resources to address shelter solutions for low-income families affected by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday,” said Torre Nelson, area vice president of Habitat for Humanity International’s Latin America and Caribbean office. “We are closely monitoring the situation and have been in contact with Habitat for Humanity Haiti.  We will begin Habitat’s recovery efforts as soon as possible.”

“Habitat for Humanity is sending an assessment team into the impacted area,” said Kip Scheidler, senior director Global Disaster Response, Habitat for Humanity International.  “Once we know the full magnitude of this disaster, we’ll begin Habitat’s recovery process.”

Habitat for Humanity has been at work in Haiti for 26 years and will use its local expertise and mobilize resources as part of the rebuilding efforts. Habitat has provided more than 2,000 families with housing solutions through a variety of initiatives including new home construction, progressive building, home repairs and improvements. It also builds capacity in construction skills, disaster mitigation and financial literacy, and works in coordination with community and government agencies.

Early media reports estimate that 3 million people were affected.  Haiti’s ambassador to the U.S. has called the quake a “catastrophe of major proportions.”

Habitat for Humanity’s ability to respond effectively to this disaster will require support from donors, volunteers, corporate partners and other community organizations.   Donations can be made at www.habitat.org.

About Habitat for Humanity’s Disaster Response
Habitat’s Disaster Response focuses on the housing needs that arise from natural disasters and humanitarian emergency conflicts. Habitat offers expertise in technical information; program design and implementation; and disaster response policies, protocols and procedures. We also provide support and informational resources for disaster mitigation and preparedness, helping communities in disaster-prone areas protect themselves against future threats.!