News of the devastation in Haiti keeps coming.  This morning on the news I heard that violence and looting is increasing, and aid is having a difficult time reaching people because of bottlenecks at the airport and blocked streets.

Plan is in Haiti, working hard to meet the needs of 1,800 homeless families in the city of Jacmel.  They are providing tents and “family kits” (including water purification tablets, food, kitchen utensils, hygiene items, matches, candles, flash lights, plastic sheeting and towels).  The needs are massive and Plan is trying to expand its reach to other families.

How to Get Involved

Plan Canada provides updates from Haiti through twitter and the Haiti Blog.  You can also read about the experiences of Miline and Franciose, two women that survived the earthquake.  Or, look at photos of the situation in Haiti as seen by Plan’s staff on the ground.

Visit the Crisis Map of Haiti which uses information from tons of sources, including text messages and twitter, to provide a real-time picture of what’s happening in the country.  Visit Global Voices Online’s Haiti coverage to see what bloggers around the world are saying about the situation in Haiti right now.

You can also donate using your phone by texting HAITI to 30333, or online.  This weekend I searched my house for all the loose change I could find – $50 in total – and I sent it in support of the relief efforts in Haiti.  You’d be surprised what you can find under your couch cushions!  Get friends to do the same!