SEIU's Response to Haiti Earthquake

SEIU

The whole world is watching the devastation in Haiti following yesterday’s earthquake with horror, compassion and desire to act.

This catastrophe calls on each of us to do what we can to ease suffering and help the survivors get past this tragedy and rebuild their lives.

As home to a large Haitian population with family directly impacted and as the largest union of healthcare workers in North America, will support efforts to help Haiti recover.  We are also establishing systems with established aid organizations to help members and staff with affected families get more information.

SEIU is developing a relief initiative, Help Haiti, to direct donations from our members, our locals and the general public to effective respite and aid organizations once a needs assessment has been completed.  At this time, we are asking that people direct their donations to the International Relief Fund of the American Red Cross.  Please check SEIU.org over the next few days to learn of other ways and organizations that you can help.

We are investigating what volunteer needs and opportunities exist at this time.  SEIU Healthcare members – nurses, personal care assistants, doctors and others – are mobilizing to determine the types of direct support that are needed by the people of Haiti. We are coordinating with federal agencies and the service and relief communities and we are recruiting healthcare workers for possible deployment once more information is known.  If members or staff contact you seeking information on ways they can volunteer, you may refer them to volunteerhaiti@seiu.org or our website for more information.

A tragedy of this magnitude knows no borders.  SEIU will stand by our sisters and brothers in Haiti – and we will do all we can do to help.