by Jason Patnosh and Mollie Melbourne

Following last night’s devastating earthquake in Haiti, we wanted to share some links on the relief and recovery response to all who may be interested in helping.

Note: The U.S. State Department Operations Center has set up a number for Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti.  They should call 1-888-407-4747. There is heavy volume and some callers may receive a recording.

• Direct Relief International is committing up to $1 million in aid for the response and is coordinating with its other in-country partners and colleague organizations. DRI’s partners in Haiti include Partners in Health (see below), St. Damien Children’s Hospital, and the Visitation Hospital, which are particularly active in emergency response. Donate to Direct Relief online.

• The American Red Cross has pledged $1 million to assist communities impacted by this earthquake. The Red Cross expects to provide immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support and is accepting donations through its International Response Fund OR text “HAITI” to “90999” and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts, charged to your cell phone bill.

• As UNICEF said in a statement, “Children are always the most vulnerable population in any natural disaster, and UNICEF is there for them.” UNICEF requests donations for relief for children in Haiti via  UNICEF’s Haiti Earthquake Fund. You can also call 1-800-4UNICEF.

• Donate through Wyclef Jean’s foundation, Yele Haiti. Text “Yele” to 501501 and $5 will be charged to your phone bill and given to relief projects through the organization.

• Operation USA is appealing for donations of funds from the public and corporate donations in bulk of health care materials, water purification supplies and food supplements which it will ship to the region from its base in the Port of Los Angeles. Donate online at www.opusa.org, by phone at 800/678-7255 or by check made out to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave, Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232.

• Ben Stiller’s Stillerstrong campaign will be temporarily diverting all donations to support the Haiti relief effort.

• Partners In Health reports its Port-au-Prince clinical director, Louise Ivers, has appealed for assistance: “Port-au-Prince is devastated, lot of deaths. SOS. SOS… Temporary field hospital by us at UNDP needs supplies, pain meds, bandages. Please help us.” Donate to the Partners in Health Haiti earthquake fund.

• Mercy Corps is sending a team of emergency responders to assess damage, and seek to fulfill immediate needs of quake survivors. The agency aided families after earthquakes in Peru in 2007, China and Pakistan in 2008, and Indonesia last year. Donate online, call 888/256-1900 or send checks to Mercy Corps Haiti Earthquake Fund; Dept. NR, PO Box 2669, Portland, OR 97208.

• Oxfam is rushing in teams from around the region to respond to the situation to provide clean water, shelter, sanitation and help people recover. Donate to Oxfam America online.

• International Medical Corps is assembling a team of first responders and resources to provide lifesaving medical care and other emergency services to survivors of the earthquake. Donate online.

• AmeriCares has committed $5 million to Haiti relief and is working with partners on the ground to deliver humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

• Save the Children is preparing to provide immediate lifesaving assistance, such as food, water, shelter and child-friendly spaces.