New Orleans At a candidates forum last night in New Orleans with the memory of Katrina still in our hearts and in the mouth of every questioner from Local 100 or A Community Voice (formerly Louisiana ACORN), it was appropriate that the forum started with a prayer and made the call for help for Haiti.  The devastation seems like Katrina on steroids with a response from the government both there and elsewhere that makes the Bush Administration’s reaction to Katrina seem good.  Who might have believed that was possible?

But the devastation is tragic and unworldly to a country that seems in the Mexican expression both too close to America and too far from god.

Here are some places to send your support that have a reputation of getting to the grassroots problem.  You can hit the link, if you feel the urge.

Medecins sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders)

The humanitarian organization delivers medical care to people caught in crisis. Donations to its Haiti relief efforts will go toward repairing the obstetrics and trauma hospitals in Haiti that were damaged in the earthquake. They also will go to transporting an additional 70 doctors and medical supplies to the island in an effort to set up makeshift emergency medical response centers. To donate, go to doctorswithoutborders.org or call 1-888-392-0392.

Mercy Corps

The organization provides humanitarian assistance and economic opportunities in the world’s toughest places, specifically those dealing with poverty, conflict and instability. To donate, go to MercyCorps.org. Money will go toward immediate humanitarian needs in Haiti, which may include, food, water and temporary shelter.

Operation USA

The international relief agency provides funding for reconstruction and development aid to communities that have experienced disasters, disease and poverty. For its Haiti relief efforts, the agency plans to use donations for health care materials, water purification supplies and food supplements. To donate, go to opusa.org or call 1-800-678-7255, or mail a check to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave., Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232.

Dominican Republic ACORN

You can also contribute to Community Organizations International / ACORN International if you want to support Haitian refugees and families that are pouring into the Dominican Republican and the efforts of our members in Santiago to help them directly.   Go to the donate now button on at www.communityorganizationsinternational.org