Haitian Consul General of New York, Felix Augustin, giving press conference today. Photo by Francisco Collazo
Please donate now to support relief efforts:
- UNICEF. Go online to unicefusa.org/haitiquake or call (800) 4UNICEF.
- Red Cross. Go online to redcross.org, or call (800) REDCROSS.
- Direct Relief International. Donate online at directrelief.org.
- Mercy Corp. Go online to mercycorps.org or mail checks to Haiti Earthquake Fund, Dept. NR, PO Box 2669, Portland, Ore. 97208 or call (888) 256-1900
[Special Note 1/14/10 @2:15 EST]
We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and willing volunteers. Thank you.
At this point we are working in direct concert with consul in NYC and established orgs to determine their needs and to wait for their direction.
Please note that Matador will not be taking volunteers to Haiti who are unqualified or unskilled as medican professionals and/or proven disaster relief.
If you’d like to support volunteer efforts in Haiti, please consider donating to one of the orgs listed here.
We’ll continue to keep you updated as we learn more.
You are amazing!
As of 7:00 PM EST, we’ve received more than 900 offers of help from people around the world who want to offer their time, skills, and energy to help Haiti.
And those offers are still coming in.
Your support was so overwhelming that my email was shut down by a spam alert (thanks to Matador contributor Carina Port for getting that worked out) and we had to set up a dedicated email account: matadorhaiti@gmail.com.
Until around noon today, I was able to respond personally to everyone who emailed their offers; however the sheer volume of email, phone, Twitter, and Facebook messages has become so enormous that I’ll have to communicate with most of you through this site. We’ll be updating it as often as we can, so please check back regularly.
As of 7:30 PM EST, here’s the latest news we have to offer you:
JetBlue has not committed to sending a plane of Matador-organized volunteers… yet.
Although New York’s Haitian Consul General Felix Augustin praised JetBlue for being the first airline to offer flights of emergency relief supplies and volunteers (which you can see in the video shot by Francisco Collazo at this afternoon’s press conference), JetBlue has not made a decision regarding Matador’s specific request. JetBlue’s community relations department is working closely with the Haitian Consulate in NYC, as well as established aid organizations, to determine the current and specific needs on the ground in Port-au-Prince, and to discern how everyone who is interested can be of the most help.
JetBlue has put Matador in touch with the Red Cross.
Matador will not take volunteers into Haiti without a confirmed volunteer placement with an established aid or service organization in Haiti. I have emailed JetBlue’s contact at the Red Cross, but have not yet received a response.
Matador continues to work with other organizations and individuals to discuss logistics.
I have been in touch with representatives at Partners in Health (thanks to Matador contributor Alyssa Martino for that lead) and other organizations in Haiti. At this time, these organizations do not yet have reliable, consistent contact established with their workers on the ground in Port-au-Prince to be able to determine exact needs. Until the specific needs are determined, we’re in a holding pattern. We’re aware that a poorly planned project could do more harm than good, and we won’t go into Haiti unprepared.
In the meantime, we will continue to collect names, contact information, and skills of volunteers who are interested.
I will be contacting the Haitian Consulate in the morning to convey that 900+ volunteers stand ready to travel to Haiti to provide assistance, and will be in conversation with them about the best way we can help meet existing needs.
We will continue to provide information and updates for those who want to help in other ways.
1. If you would like to make a donation, the Haitian Consulate of New York has established an account with Chase Manhattan Bank: account number 761-549-039.
2. If you have responded to our call for donations, THANK YOU! Keep collecting and email us at matadorhaiti@gmail.com with the subject line DONATIONS. Let us know where you are and we will be in touch about coordinating collection of your donated goods. Please be patient; there are only a handful of us working on this project, so it may take us a bit to respond.
We’ve all got to pace ourselves.
Don’t lose this initial wave of incredible energy. Haiti needs help today, but it will also need help next month and six months from now. As the Consul General said at today’s press conference, “We always needed something.” The need now is greater than ever, and we’ll respond to it as soon as we have all of the logistics hammered out to do so.
Thanks to the many people helping out behind the scenes- from Chicago to Miami and here in NYC- your work is so important. Keep it up!
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54 Comments... join the discussion!
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Thanks, Cassie! I’ll keep you posted!
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Thank you for the update, Julie. Pacing ourselves is an extremely important point to make.
Just wanted to let you know — tried to watch the video, but received this message: This video is private. If you have been sent this video, please make sure you accept the sender’s friend request.
Not sure if it’s just my computer, but wanted to point this out in case it’s not.
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Simone-
Thanks for catching that! Just fixed the video!↵ -
“Matador will not take volunteers into Haiti without a confirmed volunteer placement with an established aid or service organization in Haiti. I have emailed JetBlue’s contact at the Red Cross, but have not yet received a response.”
what exactly does this mean? no one can go into haiti unless they are licensed somehow?
what if i get my own plane ticket and meet you there somehow?
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No, what it means is that we will not just fly into Haiti without a plan about what kind of service we’ll be providing. We’ll keep you posted.
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Go Team!!
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So glad you were able to connect with Partners in Health, Julie. I know they’ll be useful once they make contact with their docs in Port au Prince. Also, so impressed with your commitment to knowing the situation and needs on the ground before hastily acting. That is SUCH an important thing to remember for relief. Truly stunned by this quick mobilization and willing to help out in any way I can!
Only at Matador would something this amazing come together…
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Thanks for the update, and thanks for being on point for all of this. It has to be a ton of work juggling all these pieces. Don’t hesitate to call for help – no matter how menial it may seem.
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Thanks, Shawn!
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Being a college student, I can’t up and travel at any given time. However, I think it’s a given that I wish to contribute more than just money.
Perhaps you could organize a trip for college students?
I know the University of Iowa’s spring break ends Friday, March 12 and classes resume on Monday, March 22. I’m pretty sure that that is a very common date for spring break.I would be completely willing to not go to California for spring break. Hell, I would love to go to Haiti on an ASB instead.
Good chance for Matador to reach out to the college students that visit, like me.
If anything, I know you could get enough volunteers from my school alone. It’s a very active school.My email is jaredkrauss@gmail.com if you have any questions or comments or anything.
Thanks.
Jared↵ -
Some of the volunteers here *do* have experience in the medical field and emergency response.
Maybe you should make a separate list of those with medical experience, since they are desperately needed, and are being recruited.
On twitter I read tweets from skilled medical personnel that they were boarding JetBlue flights to volunteer…
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Martha-
We are creating a list of people by skills. As you can imagine, it’s a huge task.
JetBlue is working directly with the Haitian Consulate, who may have identified medical professionals for the first flight.
JetBlue has not, however, agreed to work with Matador to send volunteers… yet.↵ -
Oops, I forgot to add that Hands On Disaster Response might be a good facilitator for volunteer placement. If you haven’t already pinged them, their site is http://hodr.org/volunteer-info/
Thanks again!
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Good job following all this, Julie.
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Yup, pacing oneself is extremely important and the Consul is right; they always needed help.
Said it once and I’ll say it again; ready, willing and able. I stand, with a large backing, to help out however we can. Just let us know!
Great work Julie & all the Matadorians!!!
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I am currently unemployed, but would really like to help out in Haiti in any way that I can. I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala and am fluent in Spanish. I would be willing to go to Haiti on short notice to help out in any way that I could.
Thanks.
Peter Hendrickson↵ -
Julie:
Thanks for keeping us updated. I have been checking the internet cafe every couple hours here on Isla Ometepe for more news. I am ready at anytime, now or the future.
Josh
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Amazing! Julie this is what makes Matador and the community here incredible. Keep up the good work and I will do all I can to pass on the word.
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Will this placement with an established aid agency need to be pre-existing, or is MatadorNetwork triyng to get ARC sponsorship?
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Julie, you are amazing! I can’t believe how you’ve managed to keep track of and push forward everything that you have (actually, I can – that’s how you roll). I have yet to track down my passport, but the “long distance” is exactly what I was thinking…even if I can’t go this week or next, I definitely want to go within the next month or two, and it will certainly take months, if not years, of help to rebuild. Know that there are many of us out there who are willing and able over time.
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Hi. My name is Peter Hendrickson. I am currently between jobs and would love to help out in any way I can in Haiti. I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala about 20 years ago, and I speak fluent Spanish. Please let me know if I could be of any assistance. I would certainly be willing to travel to Haiti on short notice to help out.
Thanks.
Peter Hendrickson↵ -
I am a Firefighter/Paramedic looking to help for as long as it takes. Let me know how I can help…
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Hi, I’m a college student in Ft. Lauderdale FL. and I have absolutely no problem volunteering my entire spring break to help out with relief efforts. Deeply touched and saddened by what has happened. Thank you so so much for keeping us posted.
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Hey, like I said, I am a college student as well, in Iowa, and would also be willing to dedicate my entire spring break to helping in Haiti.
Feel free to get into contact with me @ jaredkrauss@gmail.com if you get any information that would allow us to do so.
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DOCTORS AND NURSES : American Airlines will be taking Doctors and Nurses to Haiti for free on Rescue Mission. Call 212-697-9767.
As we don’t have a firm answer yet from Jetblue, I do plain on going down there Saturday the latest with a smaller group of friends in the medical field and any donation we can get. I am reachable @ vladimirtilus@hotmail.com
@ Julie, I am still trying to get in touch with the Head of Caritas Haiti, and that will satisfy our contact with and charity organization on the ground.
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I’m extremely glad to see so many eager and caring people ready to go and help the devastated nation of Haiti. I am willing to put my EMT/CPR certification to good use as well as my experiences in assiting physicians in the Dominican Republic and operating emergency response vehicles. For now let us all pray for those affected by this terrible disaster and for the success of this post-earthquake relief efforts.
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I hope this works out soon, thanks for not keeping us in the dark… I’m still ready and waiting to go
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Julie,
I sent you an email earlier and would like very much to join your effort. I helped in disaster recovery in Costa Rica from a similiar earthquake. I understand you may only need medical type individuals but I do have experience and am willing to go right away. Also, I live in NYC. Chelsea. I think you live in the city as well. If I can help you organize clothes, food, etc, call me direct 646 249 8800. Lastly, my brother is a doctor and I am trying to contact him to see if he can help.
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Thanks for leading this movement, Julie. In the meantime, I think we should urge our news networks to bring whatever they can with them. Somehow they’ve managed to arrive on the island within 12 hours of the quake to report, with generators for their equipment. Let’s push them to bring medics and supplies with them!
I’m doing my part (leyatem):
RT@leyatem, @msnbc @cnnbrk @ABC @BBCClick & other #news plz send aid 2 #haiti w your reporters! bring medics & supplies on your jets!
Any other suggestions?
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I agree do something with college kids!. I would rather go to haiti to then on spring break somewhere else! Make it happen and i will be there! Ya I think spring break is around the march 13th for me too… i have to check
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Julie, if you need help from Miami, collecting donations or what have you, I can help. I’m here until the 20th and have access to cars and other people willing to help. Email me if I can do anything from here. And thanks for all your hard work! You are amazing!
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Julie, If you need any help before haiti please let me know. I will be going to haiti just to see what I can do. Many people are missing and sitting is driving me crazy. I wait to see what’s going on the ground and so many people need the help. And thanks for all your word! You are amazing !!
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To whom it may concern:
My heart goes out to the people of Haiti and I want to pledge my support to helping the Haitian people overcome this tragedy. I would like to volunteer in the country if a team does go out. I am 26-years-old, fit and willing to do whatever is asked of me to help. My background is that of a news producer but I also have skills in web site management, field producing, writing, public relations and photography. If I can be of any assistance, please contact me at thelifeoferic@hotmail.com. Thank you.
Eric Berry
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Please, I would love to volunteer, anything i can do to help, do not hesitate to contact me via my email.
Thank you and my prayers go to Haiti
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Hello,
My name is Rachel, I am a student at Sarah Lawrence College. I am able to help immediately. Just let me know rsander@gm.slc.edu↵ -
I have also been looking for information regarding spring break disaster relief in Haiti. If anything is put together, I would love finding out!
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Thanks for combining passion and wisdom on this – having a good plan in place will absolutely be the best course…
Clearly many on this site are very willing to drop everything and head to Haiti today if if can happen…very encouraging…
I’m one of them…
Keep up the good efforts and please continue to keep us posted…↵ -
27yo Paramedic/Firefighter here. Please email me if you’re in need a Paramedic. My gear is packed and I’m ready to leave. (I’m currently in Indianapolis)
MrMattWright1221@gmail.com↵ -
You’re a shining star Julie for rallying this overwhelming support. Once again, its inspiring to see people pulling together to help others in dire need. Lets learn from other disasters, and keep the momentum going well into the future.
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Julie,
Thank you for all of your hard work and updates. I will be checking and keeping updated. Again, I can leave anytime! I am so wanting to go and work hard and help everyone in Haiti. Nothing like this helpless feeling by being here and not there. Looking forward to hearing if all of us 900 plus volunteers can go for much needed help.
Many thanks for everything that you are doing.↵ -
Hi Julie,
I know you’re currently working on a Jet Blue Deal..the last time I checked. But I just wanted to know if you’re aware of the current promotion Spirit Airline has. Here’s an excerpt from their announcement:
Spirit will give 5,000 FREE Spirit miles to everyone who donates at least $5 to the Red Cross, UNICEF or Yéle Haiti, enough miles for a free flight.
Please visit this link to find out more: http://www.travelpulse.com/Resources/Editorial.aspx?n=65902
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For the fine print of this promotion please visit this website
http://marketing.spiritair.com/haitirelief/↵ -
Hi Julie,
I heard about your organization and the need for volunteers through a dear friend of mine. I have family in Haiti, who have gone from the Dominican Republic, who are on their way to Haiti with missions to help as well. I would love to join & volunteer in ANY capacity to this amazing cause. Please contact me as soon as you have more information as to when we can go. Thank you very much!
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Hi, I’m Eric. I’m 6′5″, 300lbs of ‘American Muscle’ and I NEED to be in Haiti to help. I’ve already given over $200, and since I have no more money to spare, it’s best for me to be on the ground giving out a helping hand any way that I can!!
Eric
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It is confirmed I am leaving tomorrow morning with a small team of four heading to Santo Domingo. I have a liaison down there already making arrangement to take us to the border, and from there we will find a way to make it to Haiti. We still have place for couple more volunteer, and if you want to join, you can email …me and I will give you the flight number so we call all leave together.
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It is a remarkable thing to see so many people come together and work to help people who hav been stricken in such a devastating way. Thank you to the organizers of such an amazing group. I would be very interested in helping out/travelling to Haiti as a volunteer. How would I go about doing this? Thank you, Tony.
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Hi,
I am CERT (Community emergency response training) and SAR qualified, in excellent physical and mental condition, and unemployed at the moment with extra time on my hands to help. Please put me on your list if possible.
Jeff Stowe↵ -
It is amazing to see so many people from so many walks of life all band together for the common good of mankind. It blesses me today to know that all of us are willing to give up our day to day lives to go and serve. I am waiting to hear what the next steps are going to be and know good things are in store. My prayers are with the people of Haiti, and I hope I can go and serve soon! Keep us updated and thanks again Julie!
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I am 32 and a qualified Civil Engineer, currently working as a project manager with vast experience of being site/senior site engineer and land surveyor. I spent a previous 8 years of my life as an Adventurous Training Instructor with the british military. Have first aid qualifications and spent much time teaching team building leadership and personal development. Have Private Pilots licence and am physically fit.
I finish my current project next week. I wish to re-locate to Haiti on a purely volubteer basis right away.
How may I do this
Please advise of my options or provide a genuine organisations contact details ASAPKind Regards
GJ
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to go you yellow ferver shot takes 4 to 6 weeks befor you can go .so if you want to go start now to go in a few months not sure what there doing about pasports and viais i have volunteered since 1989 red cross gods pit crew nomac op blessing feed the childen just to name afew all bad storms since 2003 and i still cant go .
have been in constuction 40 yrs will go if you want me↵
