Thank you, thank you for posting this. I'm still in a "wait and see" to find out if I'm going with Partners in Health http://www.standwithhaiti.org/haiti which is another amazing organization that has a 25-year history in Haiti. I'm hoping I'll get to use my hands, but I'm also sending prayers and cold hard cash. It's what I have to offer, and I can't begin to imagine what our neighbors in Haiti are going through. It must be Hell.

Great post and good link - I'd add Oxfam to that list and I'm surprised they aren't already on the list. I've worked with UNICEF, Catholic Relief Services, Mercy Corps, Care and Oxfam in the field and they are all solid organisations to support in an emergency like this.

If you donate using AMEX.....they will wave their fees!!!

http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-world/amex-waives-fees-on-haiti-donations-20100115-matv.html

I wrote a post today about Haiti using the term neighbors too. If only we all thought of each other as neighbors...

I sent my donation to Doctors Without Borders after seeing how little was available for the injured. Sad times!

Charitynavigator.org will give you the breakdown on all the charities. It lists how much of the organizations budget is spent on their actual programs vs. administration expenses and fundraising expenses. Examples -

Oxfam America spends 80% of it's budget on it's programs. CEO makes $350,000
Partners in Health spends 95% of it's budget on it's programs. CEO makes $75,000
Doctors without Borders spends 87% on programs - CEO makes $115,000
American Red Cross - 90% - CEO - $550,000

Of course the Red Cross has a much larger budget (2 billion) than Partners in Health (55 million) and I don't know how relevant these figures are when you are evaluating the actual work the charity does, but I kind of hate the thought that my $$ are going towards advertising!

I've been heartbroken for the loss of life from this disaster. It's almost too much to get a handle on . . . the "why" is just overpowering. Thanks for your reminders and links of ways to help. I've written about giving LOVE on my blog (with the very song you quoted above) months ago (http://fromchaoscomeshappiness.blogspot.com/2009/11/put-little-love-in-your-heart.html) And while I know LOVE is oh-so powerful - I am realistic to know that CASH is necessary. I will be contributing to relief funds.

Today my husband was talking to my 6 yr old about the situation and disaster in Haiti, and she said, "Daddy - why don't all of those people come over here?" My husband explained that it would cost them money to get here, he asked her where they would go if they all came here, and explained that it might not be an easy thing for them to do right now. She took all this in and then said to him, "But Daddy, when I ride in the school bus on my way to school, I see lots and lots of houses for sale, so there are alot of places for people to live here. And maybe we all could help them and give them things to start a new life." It is amazing to me that this young 6 year old can solve all the problems just like that.

That gives me faith in the future for all of us. Thanks for your post, Brene!

I listened to the Director of CARE on the Lehrer Report and decided that was my best option for now. I have been so moved by the outpouring from just my family and friends - this calamity has touched their hearts in a profound way. We are so much better than the comments of the cynics and pundits portray us to be - let's speak louder than them by opening our hearts and wallets to ease any bit of this unspeakable suffering that we can.

Our neighbors (untll they were transferred) worked for The Red Cross and I regularly donate there and trust them. I know their employees aren't in it for the money and trust it is used well.
I also believe in the power of prayer.

I agree that I like to know my money is not being spent to produce calendars or something to ask those who have donated to please donate more. Another choice for people out there is:
www.wecanbuildanorphanage.com
This orphanage was started by a family friends, whom I totally trust as they always do the right and honest thing.
Thank you for this beautiful post. I do love the photo...and the song, of course!!!

Could I add one more? Medical Assistance Programs International has offices in my community. Their staff and volunteers are top notch. They delivered $5 million worth of medical supplies to Haiti last week. For every dollar you give, MAP can provide $75 in essential medicines and supplies. I love that they are committed to 'total health.' They have been helping Haitians for many years. Go
www.map.org for more info or to donate.

The comments here were helpful. I'm leaning toward doctors without borders. it's good we are all being savvy with our money. A social media site for which I am a moderator currently has a thread about $$ for nonprofit CEO's. The photo here touches my heart.

I need this book sooo bad. I am taking care of my parents, my middle school child, my child in college and my husband just got transferred to North Carolina from Alabama, where we have been for the last eight years. He is within two years of retirement so he could not quit (and we all know that this is not the best of times to be looking for a job) so he is working up there and going back and forth. We are paying all the expenses of a place to live and commutes so we can't see each other much, but the Lord provided a home with a couple and they let him rent a room plus meals, which has been a lifesaver. I am the only person my parents have and my mama is 85(and not in good health) and my dad is 78 and trying to still take care of everything. They live four miles from me and their doctors are established so we hate to uproot them at this time in their lives. I look forward to reading along with you and since my money is short now, would really like to win this book. Thanks, Lisa Maddox

DON'T FORGET: ask your employer if they match donations...my hospital has organized a fund and is matching everything we donate!

If you're in the corner and have got no money to move out from that point, you would have to receive the <a href="http://lowest-rate-loans.com/topics/credit-loans">credit loans</a>. Because it will help you unquestionably. I take auto loan every single year and feel fine because of that.