Austin Real Estate Blog

All over Haiti, buildings and other infrastructure have been destroyed and people are struggling to survive.

The recent earthquake in Haiti has caused untold suffering and massive devastation to residents of this small island nation.  The humanitarian aid efforts are already underway, and rebuilding plans are expected to begin soon.  Many Austin residents have been moved by the plight of the people of Haiti, and contributions are pouring in from all over the world to assist those affected by this tragedy.  A number of local Austin organizations and companies are also working to help Haiti recover from this disaster and to provide clean water and food to the victims of the earthquake.

Austin-based Whole Foods Market, Inc. has announced the creation of a fund to help provide relief to disaster victims in Haiti.  Donations will be accepted at all 289 stores throughout the United States, and will be distributed to a number of direct aid organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, Action Against Hunger, AmeriCares, Food for the Poor, Partners in Health, and the American Red Cross.  Whole Food Markets is also collecting donations of food, clothing, and money to support staff members who have been affected by the disaster in Haiti, and working with national organizations to facilitate the delivery of food and water to the areas hardest hit by the earthquake.

The American Red Cross of Central Texas is also active in the Haiti relief efforts, and is currently requesting donations of bottled water, food, and other supplies.  It is also looking for temporary shelter and medical services for those injured or homeless due to the earthquake.  Additionally, the American Red Cross has joined forces with the U.S. State Department to allow individuals to donate through their cell phone bill; simply text the word “Haiti” to 90999, and a $10 donation will be automatically added to the monthly charges for the cellular phone.

Several Austin firefighters and emergency workers are headed to Haiti to take an active part in the rescue and recovery operations on the ground; they will bring needed supplies and expertise to the relief efforts in heavily populated areas of Haiti, including Port-au-Prince.  Austin companies providing matching funds for relief donations include Austin Ventures, Silicon Laboratories, and the MFI Foundation.  Austin residents can qualify for these matching funds by making their donations through http://www.givetoaustin.org/helphaiti, Austin residents can qualify for these matching funds.