Reaching Out to the Philippines After Haiyan

I am sure that all of you are aware by now of the devastating effects of the typhoon Haiyan through the Central Philippines.  Many people who know that I grew up in the Philippines have sent me notes, asking if my parents and friends are OK.  I really appreciate that.  My parents and most of my friends are fine, since the region I grew up in is further south than where the typhoon hit.  But I do have friends whose families have been directly affected, and my heart is incredibly heavy for the hundreds of thousands of people who have lots their homes and their families, and who are enduring a daily nightmare for survival in the aftermath right now.  To see the extent of the damages in just one city, click here.  I know that many of you care and would like to help, so I would like to share some ways that you can reach out and make a difference.

Source: NPR.org

Here are some statistics:

• UN official estimate that up to 9.8 million people were affected by Haiyan
• Haiyan is said to have destroyed up to 80% of all structures in its path as it passed through
• The official death toll is estimated to reach 2,500
• Up to 660,000 have either lost their homes or have had to leave them
• In Tacloban alone, over 220,000 are in need of food, water, and medical aid
• Most of the roads are blocked, making it extremely hard to deliver the relief supplies needed

How can we help?

The very best way to help right now is to donate money to one of the organizations that is there right now, working to bring essentials like clean water, food, medical assistance and shelter to the people in the affected areas.  Here is a list of organizations that will put your contribution to good use:

1. The American Red Cross is offering relief support and coordinating a tracing program to help people find their family members
2. The Philippine Red Cross has teams on the ground coordinating relief efforts
3. Doctors Without Borders is rushing medical personnel and supplies to the area
4. UNICEF is helping with relief efforts in the area and providing food and clean water, and shelter
5. World Vision is rushing to meet the most basic needs such as food, clean water and shelter

For a longer list of organizations like these, visit this link.

Here are some efforts led by people I know, who are missionaries in the area and who will be going all-out to help as much as they can in Tacloban and the surround affected areas in the next days and weeks.  They will use your donations extremely well:

1. New Tribes Missions is using their own airplanes to deliver relief supplies.
2. Convoy of Hope is delivering water filtration systems to the many who need clean water

I know that tragedies feel so overwhelming, and thinking of the huge need nearly paralizes me-- but we will be sending our money and praying for those that are physically there to help, asking for wisdom, healing and resources.

Sources:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/11/13/244954100/in-shattered-filipino-city-a-fight-for-sheer-survival

http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/11/11/21386694-how-to-help-organizations-offering-relief-to-typhoon-haiyan-survivors

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/11/12/244702268/typhoon-haiyan-how-to-help