The Daily Newarker — Press Wire

For Immediate Release

MAYOR BOOKER ANNOUNCES CITY OF NEWARK SUPPORT OF RELIEF EFFORTS

FOR HAITI TO HELP THOSE AFFECTED BY TUESDAY’S EARTHQUAKE

Newark and Essex County is home to thousands of Haitian-Americans;

Newark Residents urged to American Red Cross Relief Efforts for Haiti

Newark, NJ - January 15, 2010 – Mayor Cory A. Booker, Newark Municipal Council Members and other dignitaries joined with members of the Northern New Jersey Haitian community for a press conference in the City Hall Rotunda today, to announce the City of Newark’s support of relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake which hit the Republic of Haiti this past Tuesday.

At the press conference, Mayor Booker called upon Newark residents to join in these efforts by supporting one or more of the humanitarian and relief organizations that are working in Haiti. A list is attached below. He also noted that numerous Newark residents and municipal employees are of Haitian descent and have suffered the loss of family members to the earthquake.

“I appeal to every Newark resident and business person to please join the relief efforts to help Haiti. The best way we can assist the people of Haiti during this crisis is by giving financial support. We have to raise money first in order to rebuild the county and bring necessary supplies,” said Mayor Booker. “All of Newark is coming together to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Although we are divided by waters, we are united by heart and spirit.”

Mayor Booker announced that the City of Newark will be supporting Haitian earthquake relief efforts by allowing municipal employees to deduct donations from their paychecks for the pay period ending February 5, 2010. This amount reflects a one-time voluntary pre-tax payroll deduction to contribute to the City of Newark – American Red Cross Haiti Relief Effort. The Mayor noted that Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo suggested the voluntary employee payroll deduction program, and the City’s legal, financial, and personnel team moved swiftly to implement the idea.

“Our hearts go out to the people of Haiti and their friends and family members in Essex County. The tremendous loss of life and damage caused by this natural disaster has affected so many lives abroad and here so close to home,” Essex County Executive DiVincenzo said in a statement. “Our Essex County employees are a dynamic group of people who are always ready to lend a hand. Their commitment to helping people is seen every day when they come to work as well as on their own time in the many causes and organizations they volunteer to support. We hope our contribution will have a positive effect in these difficult times.”

“The Red Cross is thanking everyone for the donations we have received,” said American Red Cross of Northern New Jersey Essex County Response Manager Stacey Spooner. “We have already moved $10 million to Haiti and have $35 million en route. Right now, we are only seeking financial donations. We are asking people abide by our request for financial donations only. The Red Cross is grateful to Mayor Booker and the entire City of Newark for its support of our relief efforts in Haiti.” To donate to the Red Cross, call 1-800-Red-Cross or visit their website at www.RedCross.org. 

According to Census 2000 data, there are currently 13,568 residents of Haitian descent living in Essex County, many in Newark’s West Ward.

Speaking on behalf of the City Council, West Ward Council Member Ronald C. Rice echoed Mayor Booker’s call to action and urged residents to support the American Red Cross and Yele Haiti, a non-profit foundation founded by Newark native and Haitian-born rapper Wyclef Jean. “We need donations, donations, and more donations,” Council Member Rice said. “Make sure they go to reputable organizations.”

Haitian-Americans from Northern New Jersey also spoke at the press conference, discussing their personal ordeals over the loss of family members and the urgency of the situation. Edouard Carillion, a laid-off warehouse worker and resident of Union, told the attendees through a translator that his family house in Haiti collapsed in the earthquake, killing his son and injuring his wife and infant daughter who are among those missing.

“I need help to go home to Haiti to bury my son and get medical assistance for my wife and infant daughter,” he said. “I haven’t eaten in two days. I plead with the Haitian community in the United States to assist our families in Haiti.”

Patrick Birotte, a Haitian-American who operates the St. Justine’s Preschool in Newark’s East Ward and a non-profit group called “Keep Children Safe,” said that he was getting donations of children’s supplies, water, and first-aid kits from parents at his school. “I will take the supplies down when it becomes possible to do so,” he said. “There is a real need to keep the commitment to Haiti going in the months and years to come. It can’t just be for today.”

Jude Deronceray, an East Orange social worker, lost his father, Hubert Deronceray, and aunt, Odette Deronceray, when their house collapsed in the earthquake. Hubert Deronceray was a former Minister of Education and Minister of Social Services in the Haitian government, and a three-time candidate for President. The elder Mr. Deronceray was also Patrick Birotte’s uncle.

“All nations know someone who has died in this tragedy,” Mr. Deronceray said. “The world must make a long-term commitment to help Haiti.” He added that some of his relatives are still missing, and he will be flying to Haiti soon to assist his family. Sounding a hopeful note, he added, “We do have an opportunity here to rebuild the whole country, and to get the people united.”

As many as 50,000 people are estimated to have died in Haiti as a result of the 7.0 magnitude quake, which struck on Tuesday, January 12, just before 5 p.m., Eastern time, some 10 miles southwest of the nation’s capital, Port-au-Prince. The temblor wrecked power, water, communications systems, and government facilities. Thousands of people are trapped in the rubble. Haitian leadership believes thousands more will die, because of shortages of medical supplies and food.

The international community is sending medical and search-and-rescue teams, as well as food and other supplies. The United Nations and the United Kingdom have announced $10 million in aid each, while the World Bank has pledged $100 million, and Canada $50 million. President Obama has announced $100 million in aid, and ordered a naval task force, headed by the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, a hospital ship, and 3,500 troops, to Haiti, which will arrive Monday. Former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton have agreed to help lead the Obama administration’s efforts to help bring swift aid to Haiti.

For more information about all City of Newark programs and policies, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.

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Contact:        Newark Press Information Office: (973) 733-8004

E-mail: Pressoffice@ci.newark.nj.us

About the City of Newark, New Jersey

Newark, commonly referred to as Brick City, is the third oldest city in the United States and the largest in New Jersey, with a population of more than 280,000 people. Newark sits on one of the nation’s largest transportation super-structures including an international airport, major rail connections, major highway intersections and the busiest seaport on the east coast.

With a new Administration as of July 2006, Newark continues to see signs of a strong revival.  In population, it is one of the fastest growing cities in the northeast. Its six major colleges and universities are further expanding their presence. The production of affordable housing has doubled, businesses are returning and crime is going down. There is still much work to be done but Newark is on its way to achieving its mission:  to set a national standard for urban transformation.

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List Of Organizations For International Relief Effort For Haiti

American Red Cross  www.RedCross.org

The American Red Cross’ primary focus during the initial response of an emergency is feeding, sheltering and supplying any other basic needs. To donate: Go to RedCross.org, hit donate now button at top and then International Response Fund.

You also can text “Haiti” to 90999 to donate $10 to the International Response Fund. The money will go directly to relief efforts in Haiti. Or call 1-800-Red-Cross.

Yele Haiti  www.yele.org or text YELE to 501501 to donate $5

This organization, founded by Wyclef Jean, creates projects to improve the quality of education, health, environment and community development in Haiti. To donate to its Haiti relief efforts, go to yele.org or text YELE to 501501 to donate $5.

American Jewish World Service  www.ajws.org/haitiearthquake/

The agency supports grass-roots, community-based organizations in remote locations whose needs are not always met by larger organizations. To donate to its Haiti relief efforts, go to ajws.org/haitiearthquake/ or mail a check to 45 W. 36th St., 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018. Make checks out to American Jewish World Service, and in the memo section write "Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund." You may also call 1-800-889-7146 or 212-792-2900. The group will use the funds for immediate needs, such as psychological and social support; health services and education on hygiene and disease prevention; mobilizing volunteers in Haiti to help with rescue and aid distribution; and aid to the Haitian Dominican community, who can coordinate with the Dominican government for greater support; in addition to long-term rebuilding plans.

AmeriCares  www.AmeriCares.org

This nonprofit disaster relief organization delivers medicine, medical supplies and aid to people in crisis around the world. To donate, call 1-800-486-HELP or go to AmeriCares.org. Donations will go toward medicine and medical supplies and for expenses for providing that medical aid.

Care   www.Care.org
This humanitarian organization’s main focus is to fight global poverty, specifically by empowering marginalized women and girls. To donate to the Haiti relief fund effort, go to Care.org or call 1-800-521-CARE. Money will go toward food, water and sanitation, shelter and emergency health response.

Catholic Relief Services www.crs.org

Catholic Relief Services is an aid agency that works with emergency relief, micro-finance, AIDS/HIV relief, agriculture, water and sanitation, among other projects in countries around the world. To donate, go to crs.org, or call 1-877-HELP-CRS. You also can text RELIEF to 30644. You will receive a text message back with instructions on how to donate. You can send a check to Catholic Relief services, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21203-7090. Write “Haiti earthquake” in memo area. The money will go toward immediate needs, which includes water, food, hygiene kits, bedding and basic cooking utensils, among other items.

Direct Relief International  www.directrelief.org or Call 805-964-4767 and 800-676-1638

Direct Relief provides medical attention to those in need on an ongoing basis and in emergencies. Monetary donations go toward medical aid, supplies and equipment in Haiti. To donate, go to directrelief.org or call 1-805-964-4767 and 1-800-676-1638, or go through Google Checkout.

Habitat for Humanity www.habitat.org or Call 1-800-Habitat

Habitat for Humanity provides affordable, safe shelter for low-income families and people in need. Money donated for Haiti relief efforts will go toward recovery and rebuilding. To donate, go to habitat.org or call 1-800-Habitat.

International Medical Corps  www.imcworldwide.org or Call 1-800-481-4462

This emergency response agency focuses on health in emergency situations. Monetary donations go toward purchasing medical supplies, medicine and emergency kits and transporting these supplies. 1-800-481-4462 or go to imcworldwide.org

International Relief Teams www.irteams.org or Call 619-284-7979.

The nonprofit organizes volunteer teams to provide medical and non-medical assistance to victims of disasters and poverty. To donate, go to irteams.org <https://cyclone.he.net/~irt/donate.htm> or call 1-619-284-7979. Checks can be made out to International Relief Teams, 4560 Alvarado Canyon Road, Suite 2G, San Diego, CA 92120-4309. The money will be used for medical supplies, medicine and other relief supplies, and to support volunteers heading to Haiti for relief efforts.

Medical Teams International  www.medicalteams.org

The Christian global health organization sends volunteer medical teams and supplies to those in the midst of disaster or poverty. Monetary donations will go to supporting the medical teams being sent to Haiti and to the cost of shipping the medical supplies donated by corporations. Donate by going to medicalteams.org and clicking on the “Donate Now” button, or call 1-800-959-HEAL (4325) or send a check to Medical Teams International, P.O. Box 10, Portland, OR 97207.

Medecins sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) www.doctorswithoutborders.org or Call 1-888-392-0392

The humanitarian organization delivers medical care to people caught in crisis. Donations to its Haiti relief efforts will go toward repairing the obstetrics and trauma hospitals in Haiti that were damaged in the earthquake. They also will go to transporting an additional 70 doctors and medical supplies to the island in an effort to set up makeshift emergency medical response centers. To donate, go to doctorswithoutborders.org or call 1-888-392-0392.

Mercy Corps   www.MercyCorps.org

The organization provides humanitarian assistance and economic opportunities in the world’s toughest places, specifically those dealing with poverty, conflict and instability. To donate, go to MercyCorps.org. Money will go toward immediate humanitarian needs in Haiti, which may include, food, water and temporary shelter.

Operation USA www.opusa.org or Call 1-800-678-7255

The international relief agency provides funding for reconstruction and development aid to communities that have experienced disasters, disease and poverty. For its Haiti relief efforts, the agency plans to use donations for health care materials, water purification supplies and food supplements. To donate, go to opusa.org or call 1-800-678-7255, or mail a check to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave., Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232.

Save the Children  www.savethechildren.org, or Call 1-800-728-3843 or 203-221-4030

The independent organization focuses on children in need in the U.S. and globally through programs for health and nutrition, child protection and education. To donate, go to savethechildren.org, or call 1-800-728-3843 or 1-203-221-4030. Donations will go toward purchasing relief items, such as hygiene kits, family kits (pots, pans, food preparation items) and tarps.

The Salvation Army  www.salvationarmyusa.org or Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

The Salvation Army’s mission is to provide food, shelter, clothing and spiritual comfort during disasters. To donate money, go to salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Make sure you designate the donation for “Haiti Earthquake.” Money will go to the Salvation Army in Haiti, which will determine the country’s immediate needs, including water, food, medicine and transportation.

Shelterbox

The nonprofit delivers boxes of supplies to families of up to 10 people. The boxes contain a tent and essential equipment to use while individuals are displaced or homeless. To donate, call 1-941-907-6036 or go to shelterbox.org.

U.S. Fund for UNICEF  www.Unicefusa.org or Call 1-800-4-UNICEF

The national committee for UNICEF is responsible for the organization’s fundraising. UNICEF uses the money for health care, clean water, nutrition, education and emergency relief. To donate, go to Unicefusa.orgor 1-800-4-UNICEF.

World Concern  www.Worldconcern.org or Call 1-866-530-5433

The organization lifts people out of poverty, beginning with disaster response and ending when families can live sustainable lives. To donate to its relief effort, go to Worldconcern.org or call 1-866-530-5433. You can also mail checks to 19303 Fremont Ave. North, Seattle, WA 98133. Please specify that the check is for “Haiti Disaster Response.” Money will go toward water supplies, shelter, blankets, distribution of food and long-term needs, such as job training, education, loans and home construction, among other projects.

World Food Programme

The food assistance agency’s main focus is to fight hunger worldwide. The organization is working to bring food to Haiti. To donate, go to wfp.org.

Other organizations seeking donations

• Clinton Foundation

• Map International

• Medical Teams International

• Operation Blessing International

• Samatarian’s Purse

• Project MediShare

• United Nations Foundation

• World Health Organization

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