Friend,

You’ve likely heard about what’s happening in Haiti. A few days ago, a massive earthquake killed more than 2,000 people and injured more than 10,000 others. People fled as their homes turned to rubble, seeking shelter and medical care.

Can you chip in to support Haiti relief efforts now?

What’s worse, right after the earthquake, displaced families were then pelted by torrential rain from Tropical Storm Grace.

Washing out roads and destroying makeshift camps, the storm has slowed down much-needed earthquake recovery. All while the country still reels from disastrous COVID outbreaks and July’s presidential assassination.

So we’re raising money for Haitian-led FOKAL (Foundation for Knowledge and Liberty), which for decades has supported historically marginalized communities such as farmers. They’ve already mobilized their grassroots network and are directing emergency funds to people in need.

Can you support Haiti relief efforts by donating now to FOKAL, a trusted group already on the ground?

If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your secure donation will go through immediately, directly to FOKAL:

Right now, one of the best ways for everyday Americans to help Haiti is by donating to trusted Haitian-led groups on the ground.

With deep ties to their community, these groups are faster and more effective first responders than organizations based in other countries. So they’re the best avenue to ensure people’s immediate access to water, shelters, food, and medical assistance.

But it’s not just about meeting immediate needs. Donating to Haitian-led groups also supports Haiti’s self-determination and independence.

For hundreds of years, colonial empires such as France and the United States have exploited Haiti. After enslaved Haitians rose up against France’s rule and won their own independent country, Haiti became the first Black-led republic in the western world. But then France forced Haitians to compensate French colonists in order to continue to recognize the nation as a sovereign republic—which has kept the country mired in debt.

And then, the United States violently invaded and occupied Haiti, controlling its finances until 1947. Since then, our country has supported Haitian dictators and weakened Haiti’s government, funneling money into U.S.-led aid groups.

So Haitians living through natural disasters have continually asked people to donate to Haitian-led groups rather than international aid efforts.

We can and we must show up in solidarity. That’s how FOKAL has operated for decades, supporting communities to improve their own living conditions and build more independence.

Please donate to FOKAL now to support Haitians’ urgent needs for humanitarian support, as well as their long-term right to self-determination.

Thank you so much,

Team Rashida