Haiti earthquake: University students in Seattle ask, 'How can I help?' (Video)

In the midst of one of the world’s greatest disasters university students in Seattle not only ask the question, “How can I help?” They are doing what they can to bring relief to those suffering after the devastating earthquake struck Haiti Jan. 12.

Sean Bray, the Campus Ministry’s social justice minister, is coordinating Seattle University’s efforts to help with the disaster. Within two days of the earthquake Bray had received over 200 emails from faculty members and students eager to help.

“It’s simply devastating; the images that are coming out are horrific,” said Bray, “We have to build awareness of Haiti’s social economic situation if we hope to move toward restoration.”

Haiti, one of the world’s most impoverished nations in the Western Hemisphere, has been harder hit because of its poorly designed infrastructure.

The few water and power lines in the country have been crippled by the quake, making it hard for humanitarian groups to provide assistance. Dilapidated roads have slowed the relief effort.

Ways Seattle University students and faculty are helping

Most of the messages Bray received asked for ways to donate money to relief efforts or were interested in learning more about the tragedy.

Students offered ideas such as a student concert, a men’s basketball halftime show, student-led public discussions, and a T-shirt sale as ways they can pledge aid.

One Seattle resident and University of Washington student, Roxana Garcia, said, “First world countries should step up and help not only with disaster relief, but with the country’s poverty level as well.”

Garcia's efforts are directed at gathering monetary donations for relief groups, appealing to restaurants and other establishments around Capitol City.

Osbaldo Hernandez created a Facebook group called ‘In Solidarity with our Haitian Friends.’ In just one week he has over 800 members.

A glance at his page shows Hernandez and other students' dedication to making a difference to those who so desperately need assistance in Haiti.

One post to Hernandez’s Facebook wall said, “Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn has agreed to come and speak at our Seattle University Haiti event,” another said, “Seattle Sounders have agreed to come visit Seattle University for a benefit event.”

Another read, “The band Humungus Fungus has also agreed to play at the benefit concert!”

Some students had hopes of going to Haiti to have a more personal impact but the school has recently revoked travel permissions.

The six students and one faculty member who planned to go in March have since transitioned to fundraising efforts.

Like Hurricane Katrina, the Haiti earthquake will leave evidence of damage for years to come. Help for Haiti will have to be ongoing, there is no quick fix.

“It’s time to put political agendas and ulterior motives aside,” said Kelly Glenn, junior international studies major. “It’s time to show we are human.”

Nick Coffman, ecumenical chapel event coordinator, offered donations collected from Sunday’s mass held in the next two weeks to Catholic Relief Services and Jesuit Refugee Services to aid in their emergency work in Haiti.

Raw video – Warning – very graphic

Below is a link to raw video of the devastation in Haiti found on the Facebook page. WARNING, it is very graphic.

Trees stood strong as buildings crumbled. People were struck with pain and fear and left in shock as they scrambled to aid those who lay in the streets wounded.

It will take years to rebuild all that has been lost. It will be vital to Haiti’s future that a stronger infrastructure be developed to avoid such catastrophic loss.

Sources:
Su-Specator.com   
Video - Current.com - Warning, very graphic
Roxana Garcia Facebook page