Earthquake in Haiti, Port-Au-Prince, a City in Ruins

On Thursday, January 12, Port-Au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, crumbled to the ground, leaving broken bodies trapped under collapsed buildings. When the earth was finally still, stunned survivors rose out of the ruble. Their city was in ruins.

As help converges on the area, the size of the quake 7.0, and the magnitude of the destruction, leaves Port-Au-Prince in desperate need of sizeable help. Food, water, and medical care are making there way to survivors. Once the immediate needs are met, the next step in the recovery of Haiti, will be the most difficult.

Because of the inadequate infrastructure in Haiti, natural disasters like earthquakes, and hurricanes are even more devastating. In a sad commentary on the world we live in, poverty subjects the people of Haiti to constant danger. Many of the homes in Haiti remind one of the childhood story of the Three Little Pigs.In Haiti, many buildings and homes resemble the homes of the first two pigs, who had their poorly built homes blown down by the big bad wolf. When Haiti is put back together, the blueprint should model that of the last pig, who built a strong, sturdy home.

Those who wish to help put Haiti back together again, can make financial donations, through several agencies like The Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF, Oxfam, and the Salvation Army. Those unable to give money, but still want to help, can donate much needed supplies. On the East Coast, Webster Banks, and Stop & Shop Supermarkets are accepting donations in the form of supplies. As the relief efforts continue, so will the need for donations and supplies.

In a time of war, and mounting threats, the ability of the world to come together in the face of tragedy is encouraging. The people of Haiti will never recover from their loss of family, and loved ones. We can't fix their broken hearts, but we can fix their broken homes .