On social media we share images, hashtags, and filters to raise awareness and show our support for causes in which we believe. When a tragedy happens in a specific city or country a hashtag is created to show our solidarity for those suffering. Recently #PrayforHaiti has flooded our dashboards because of the effects of Hurricane Matthew. But what happens a few days later, a few weeks, and a few months? Sure some people will continue to share updates on the events, but many people have moved on to new hashtags and viral videos…whatever is the latest trend.
Hurricane Matthew was a category 3 storm that traveled over the sea near Venezuela, Haiti, Eastern Cuba, the Bahamas, and the coast of Florida. However, Haiti suffered the most damage from the storm. Nearly 900 people have been killed by this hurricane and recently there has been an outbreak of cholera affecting the southern part of the country. This storm followed the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated the country in 2010. Although it has been four years, Haiti never fully recovered from damage of the earthquake. Now some cities are reporting upwards of 80% of their buildings destroyed.
Haiti has made many advances in light of recent natural disasters toppling their infrastructure. They made achievements in business and agricultural advancements, and their economy was growing with investments from parties both foreign and domestic.
After the earthquake many people donated to organizations in an effort to help the country recover. Despite the efforts of many people and campaigns, there were little benefits received from these donations. Most small towns never received aid they were promised to rebuild their homes and businesses.
So, before you donate make sure to do your research. Look into the 2010 earthquake and which organizations were successful in helping Haiti. A good idea is to donate to small organizations and nonprofits. This ensures that your efforts are being used in Haiti more immediately. You can look at your local organizations for initiatives to donate - such as this one -, local organizations for initiatives to donate or to collective organizations such as this one. Do more than just share a hashtag. Do something to help those the hashtag is about.