Investing the generosity of donors into improving the lives of millions of Haitians, the American Red Cross has just issued a five-year update after the devastating January 12, 2010 earthquake.
Describing its ongoing efforts, the American Red Cross five-year update details services provided to more than 4.5 million Haitians. Ensuring that Haiti’s recovery is sustainable, the not-for-profit organization has been investing in safer neighborhoods and secure houses, better access to water and sanitation, improved healthcare, education about hygiene, and disaster preparedness.
American Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern said, “Throughout the past five years, the American Red Cross has pledged to spend the donations for Haiti wisely and efficiently.” She continued, “Because of the generosity of the American people, Haitians have reopened or launched new businesses and moved into safer living conditions. Rubble that used to stretch as far as the eye could see has been removed and people have better access to health care and clean water and sanitation.”
Investing in Immediate Response
On average, 91 cents of every dollar spent by the American Red Cross goes directly to humanitarian services and programs. Of the $488 million donated to the American Red Cross following the earthquake, all of it has been spent or preserved to meet the immediate, short-term, and long-term needs of the Haitian people.
Investing $173 million on immediate response services, the American Red Cross provided clean water and sanitation services for more than 556,000 people. To date, more than 132,000 people have been provided safe, secure shelter. Additionally, more than 3.5 million people have benefitted from cholera response and prevention activities, including the country’s first cholera vaccination campaign.
Investing in Economic Opportunity
Haiti’s economy was devastated by the earthquake that left millions of Haitians with no source of income. Employing thousands of Haitians through its own projects, the American Red Cross is continuously working with community members to help meet their needs and priorities.
Through the generosity of donors, Haitians have been provided cash grants for restarting businesses or investing in new ones. More than 388,000 people have been provided with livelihood assistance, including grants, cash-for-work, and other help. Vocational training has also been provided, helping the people of Haiti create new, stable income streams.
Investing in Future Disaster Preparedness
Continuing to provide the people of Haiti with long-term assistance, American Red Cross is also investing donations in Haitian programs and projects related to future disaster preparedness. Projects include continued support of clean water and sanitation, meeting long-term health needs, and specific disaster preparations, such as neighborhood recovery plans.
Investing more than $98 million in health services, American Red Cross donations enabled the construction and/or operational funding for eight hospitals and clinics, and in the development and implementation of cholera prevention programs. More than $56 million in donations has already been spent or is ear-marked for investing in specific future disaster preparations for the residents of Haiti.
The American Red Cross is committed to continuing their work with community members, the Haitian government and partner organizations like the Haitian Red Cross. Investing Americans’ generous donations wisely and carefully has ensured that its work in Haiti is sustainable well into the future.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. Feeding and providing shelters and emotional support to victims of disasters, the American Red Cross also supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply needs. The organization also teaches skills that save lives, provides international humanitarian aid, and supports military members and their families.
For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit their blog at blog.redcross.org.
(Image note and source – American Red Cross logo. PRNewsFoto/American Red Cross)
(Top image note and source – American Red Cross volunteers preparing to board US Navy helicopter. US Navy)
(News Source: PR Newswire)