An injured child receives medical treatment after the Haiti earthquake in Port-au-Prince on January 13, 2010. Photograph by Eduardo Munoz, Reuters.

January 15, 2010. About 100,000 people are estimated dead in the wake of an earthquake that struck close to Haiti’s capital city of Port-au-Prince, with an impact measured at 7.0 on the Richter scale. It is the strongest earthquake to strike Haiti in two centuries, and has laid the impoverished country even lower after last year’s widespread hurricane devastation.

For those who would like to help, Catholic World Mission is organizing emergency relief. Click HERE to make your donation and to stay updated on the progress of the relief effort.

Catholic World Mission is teaming up with one of its partners, Sean Forrest, a Catholic musician, international speaker, and youth minister whose missionary work in Haiti resulted in an orphanage intended for up to 40 children. The orphanage was undamaged by the quake, and its spacious property has become an emergency shelter for refugees.

“We have over three acres of unharmed property on which we plan to build safe, simple huts to provide temporary shelter for all who are in need,” said Sean.  “As funds and materials are made more available and communication and transportation improves, we will be able build more permanent, re-enforced concrete homes.”

The most immediate needs are food and shelter. Your donation will make a difference!  Visit the Catholic World Mission web site today to make your contribution.