ARC Haiti Relief fund

January 13, 2010

Minneapolis, MN — On Tuesday, a major earthquake struck the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince. Thousands of people have died, and many more have lost their homes.

The American Refugee Committee is deploying an emergency response team that will arrive in Port-au-Prince by Thursday morning. Senior Director of Programs Monte Achenbach, who previously lived and worked in Haiti, will lead the team’s efforts on the ground. Top priorities include assessing the situation on the ground and planning a coordinated response in conjunction with other relief organizations. The American Refugee Committee plans to support relief efforts including food/non-food item distribution; water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) needs; and primary health care.

“This earthquake is devastating news from a country whose people have known more hardship than can be fathomed,” said Achenbach. “The American Refugee Committee is ready to assist the people of Haiti as they recover from this terrible disaster.”

TO MAKE A DONATION: The people of Haiti are in need of support, and the American Refugee Committee is taking donations to support its relief efforts at: American Refugee Committee; 430 Oak Grove, Suite 204; Minneapolis, MN 55403 USA; tel 800-875-7060.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN REFUGEE COMMITTEE: The American Refugee Committee is an international humanitarian aid agency that works to help people take back control of their lives. The partnerships we form with our constituents and supporters provide essential services and economic opportunities to people who have lost everything due to conflict and disaster. The organization has extensive experience in disaster relief, including recent responses to the Tsunami in Thailand and earthquakes and floods in Pakistan. Each year, the American Refugee Committee works with nearly 2.5 million people in Africa and Asia.

Press contact: Therese Gales at (800) 875-7060.