On behalf of the National Urban League, its Board of Trustees and Affiliates, our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti as they cope with the effects of the devastating earthquake that has taken so many lives and destroyed so many communities. We are all distressed by the images of death and destruction in the wake of this horrific disaster. We commend President Obama for the way in which the United States has responded to this crisis so far.

When disasters like this occur, as in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina struck this country, the National Urban League movement came together to assist in the relief effort and provide support to those in dire need.

As the recovery and relief efforts get underway in Haiti, we recommend the following:

1) As we have assessed the best way to assist in the relief effort in these first critical hours and days, we have been advised that CASH DONATIONS are the most efficient and effective way to help the relief efforts in Haiti right now.

The National Urban League urges everyone to donate to the Haiti Support Project's Haiti Relief Fund at www.ibw21.org, or you can donate to a reputable organization of your choice. You can go to www.whitehouse.gov/HaitiEarthquake to determine an organization to contribute to. Please contribute what you can as soon as possible.

2) The United States must take the lead in a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction and rebuilding of Haiti, like the Marshall Plan, to ensure that the physical infrastructure and human lives are permanently rebuilt.

3) The United States should grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for the 30,000 Haitians currently under threat of deportation.


The National Urban League and its affiliates in over 100 communities throughout the United States stand ready to assist in the relief efforts to help the people of Haiti recover from this terrible disaster. We will issue further statements and updates on an on-going basis. For more information, visit www.nul.org.