After the catastrophic earthquake yesterday, Haiti is in dire need of any help. With still next to no news of the outcome of this 7.0 magnitude earthquake, public figures have extended a plea for Haiti. The opportunities and venues for donating are multiplying by the minute; we must remember that any kind of donations for relief will help. Basic necessities will be required: water, blankets, medication, temporary shelter, and much more.

Actor Jimmy Jean-Louis has issued a statement through “Hollywood Unites for Haiti,” explaining pain of not being able to contact family members and the absolute need for a quick response and any help possible for the many victims of this natural disaster of cataclysmic proportions.

See site for Hollywood Unites: http://www.hufh.org/

Former Fugees star Wyclef Jean has urged the public to donate money to help the rescue efforts in his native country, saying that “I cannot stress enough what a human disaster this is, and idle hands will only make this tragedy worse. The over 2 million people in Port-au-Prince face catastrophe alone. We must act now.” Within seconds, you can make a contribution of $5 to Yele Haiti simply by sending the text Yele to 501501.  

UN Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie and husband Brad Pitt have also come forward to aid the campaign, saying that they will work closely with Wyclef Jean to support the humanitarian efforts on the island and help those who have been injured and left without homes and shelter. Hip-hop star Sean “Diddy” Combs has also added his voice to plead for help to raise funds for those affected.

Site for Yélé Haiti http://www.yele.org/

Meanwhile, U.S. President Barack Obama and United Nations officials are pledging support to Haiti. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on a stop in Hawaii that the U.S. will provide civilian and military disaster relief as well as humanitarian assistance to Haiti. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, the United Nations special envoy for Haiti, said his office and the rest of the U.N. system are monitoring the situation, and are committed to doing whatever they can to assist the people of Haiti in relief, rebuilding and recovery efforts.

The Organization of American States has also pledged its support and called on governments, leaders, and citizens across the hemisphere to show solidarity and support for the people of Haiti. From the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI has also issued an appeal for a generous international aid response.