Information about the devastating earthquake can be found at The Lead at Episcopal Cafe, here. This is being regularly updated and is an excellent source.
Resource and relief information is also at the LA Times.
Episcopal Relief and Development is routing financial support through its Haiti fund to help with rescue and relief efforts. The Diocese of Haiti is the largest (by population) in the Episcopal church. Hold the people of Haiti in your prayers.
Picture from LA Times
Will there be a St. Paul Volunteer effort going to Haiti?
Ronn
Stay tuned, there is a lot developing as relief efforts get underway and we'll help connect people as we are able.
There are three Episcopal Nuns in Port-au-Prince where the Society of St. Margaret's convent was destroyed as was Holy Trinity Cathedral and Holy Trinity School. The Bishop's Residence is gone. The Convent was not far from the Presidential Palace seen in the photo. Good information on the following link from Fr. Gregory, the Order of St. Junlian Superior:
"News reports are flashing around — but SSM has created their own webpage with information about the situation in Haiti, the SSM convent and Sisters in Haiti. I received this link from a friend and thought I would send it on to everyone on Fr. Don's list. The link is:
ssmbos.com/Pages/Haiti.html"
Andrew Rank
Mission trips should be a long term vision. While I understand folks' frustration that they want to DO something, probably the most helpful thing at this point is money to key organizations. The MN bulletin I just sent provides some examples, and others which I like include Doctors without Borders. Care is also down there. I think ERD is very reasonable Episcopal choice too. An important message to folks – I've had numerous questions about whether I'm going down there, is to realize that for every extra person, and every that that extra person is down there, is rice and other food needed to keep that extra person alive, and which does not go to the population there that needs it. Focus now is on teams of people with experience in such crisis. Even getting them there is a big logistical deal, as Haiti's infrastructure was horrible before this crisis, and now is much worse. There will be opportunities in the months and years to come to go as Habitat for Humanity, or an Episcopal organization, to help rebuild churches and homes on mission trips. That's for the future, not now. Military hospital teams (one is deploying from Israel, for example), are critically needed resources.
Another thing that we can do which is helpful is to call your congressman. Remind them that it is important to care about Haiti not just now but in the months and years to come. I was told by Tammy Baldwin, that congressman, by the way, pay far more attention to those who call and write than internet appeals. One thing that I've admired about the Clintons, by the way, has been their commitment to Haiti over the years. I was very aware that one of Hillary's first stops as Secy of State was in Haiti last year. We need more politicians having some genunine care about the place.
–Bart