In the wake of January’s earthquake and an ongoing cholera outbreak, CARE has joined the people of Haiti this week in shifting attention to a third life-endangering threat: Hurricane Tomas.

In times of crisis, your support is urgently needed. A gift of $25, $50 or anything you can afford today can help us continue to provide our emergency relief and poverty-fighting programs in Haiti and 71 other countries around the world.

The hurricane made landfall in Haiti on Friday morning bringing howling winds and heavy rain that ripped roofs off of buildings, toppled power lines and caused rivers to burst their banks. The resulting floodwaters have swept into the tents and temporary shelters that 1.3 million Haitians call home.

To help Haitians prepare for the storm, CARE swiftly mobilized. We’ve distributed food, water, first aid kits and radios. We’ve also passed out tarps, ropes and building supplies to help people reinforce their dwellings. And we stocked up on emergency supplies to help people after the storm passes.

As you may know, since late October, Haitians have been facing a serious outbreak of cholera. The deadly, waterborne disease has already claimed close to 450 lives and more than 6,700 cases have been reported. The torrential rains of the hurricane will most certainly worsen the epidemic.

Our priorities include making sure there is a supply of clean water for the most vulnerable — those living in camps — and distributing items to help prevent the spread of disease, such as clean water, jerry cans, aqua tabs, soap and hygiene kits.

In the aftermath of the storm, CARE will continue partnering with Haitians to rebuild their country and help empower them to lift themselves, their families and their communities out of poverty.

Our poverty-fighting work doesn’t stop in Haiti. Every single day of the year, CARE is on the ground in the world’s poorest countries. Whether we’re delivering emergency relief or carrying out innovative programs that strike at the root causes of poverty, CARE is there — thanks to the generosity of friends like you.

Please make a tax-deductible gift today to help ensure that we can make a lasting difference in the lives of poor people in Haiti and other countries across the globe.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Helene D. Gayle, MD, MPH
President and CEO, CARE