With their bare hands

In the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti, reports came out that survivors were digging their fellow countrymen and women out of the rubble with their bare hands. Haiti is a place that had no infrastructure before the earthquake hit. None of the medical assistance we take for granted- ambulances and 911- are in place. Doctors without Borders lost their facilities and cannot locate many of their staff, but found two hospitals in good condition. They still need more staff, medicine and equipment because surgery needs to be available ideally within 48 hours to save lives, according to the head of Medecins Du Monde, Oliver Bernard.

As the rest of the world responds with troops, medical teams, and cash donations, those who have worked in Haiti on missions pray that the world will be generous. Considering the lack of infrastructure, debates are going on about the kind of help to send. There are at least 10,000 private organizations providing help and the deep poverty continues. It is clear that long-term planning requires "a model for independence", such as Partners In Health provides.

In the short term, there are many organizations you can give to which will help. Laura Hershey has provided a list of organizations, including Portlight Strategies Inc., which is a more disability specific group.

Last night as I was finishing up my work and preparing to go to bed, I discovered a website for St. Joseph's home for boys in Haiti. It indicated that the children were safe because they were outside at the time of the earthquake. The home includes a place called Wings of Hope for disabled children, where graduates of St. Joseph's care for them. Those children were safe as well. The director however was injured and the road was impassable. Hopefully rescue members will get to him soon.

This kind of urgency deserves any help we can provide. May our prayers be with our brothers and sisters in Haiti.

Updates: Sadly, CNN reports that a seminary student, Ben Larson, is believed to have died at St. Joseph's Home for Boys during the earthquake. He was in Haiti helping with a church school.

The injured director and others with injuries have received medical care.