FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 13, 2010
For more information please contact:
Beca Howard, Communications Manager
781.570.9412Beca@HODR.org
IN IMMEDIATE AFTERMATH OF TRAGIC EARTHQUAKE, HANDS ON DISASTER RESPONSE SENDS IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO THOSE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING
CARLISLE, MA, USA 1/13/2010 – On Tuesday, January 12, 2010, a massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake followed by a series of strong aftershocks devastated Haiti. Initial reports indicate overwhelming damage in the capital city of Port-au-Prince, affecting an estimated 3 million people with as many as 100,000 lives lost. Hands On Disaster Response (HODR), a US-based 501(c)3 nonprofit, has launched an emergency appeal and assessment in response to the recent earthquake, and has created the Haiti Earthquake Recovery Fund to accept monetary donations to support these efforts. The seasoned volunteer coordination organization welcomes interest from volunteers, but cautions that search and rescue missions are still underway.
“We had an incredibly successful six-month project in Haiti last year, and are anxious to be of assistance again,” says David Campbell, Founder and Executive Director of HODR who plans to return to Haiti as part of the organization’s assessment team. “That being said, we are not a search and rescue or medical response organization. In the immediate aftermath of such a tragic event, we need to let search and rescue efforts do their work before any potential volunteer initiatives can be explored, and I encourage those interested in volunteering to be patient as emergency services take their course.”
The HODR assessment team is reaching out to local networks and agencies in Haiti and plans to arrive in Haiti next week. The organization will be meeting with local officials, visiting affected areas and evaluating the recovery needs in order to determine further involvement and the potential for volunteer projects.
Often, following large-scale natural disasters there is an overwhelming need for able and willing hands to help families pick up the pieces and move forward. HODR harnesses the power of volunteers to bring direct assistance to survivors of natural disasters in the US and around the world. The organization has responded to 13 natural disasters in seven countries, including a deployment in Haiti from October 2008 to March 2009 in response to Hurricane Ike and a series of other hurricanes. Those interested in volunteering, should HODR launch a project in the coming weeks, are encouraged to stay tuned to the organization’s website at www.HODR.org for the latest updates from the assessment team.
HODR programs are tailored to the unique needs of each community and range from debris removal to rebuilding homes and schools. In the organization’s hurricane response project in Haiti, volunteers assisted more than 5,000 families through programs such as “mud removal” (digging homes out from severe mudslides) and well masonry. HODR is actively engaged in a volunteer project in Indonesia in response to the September 2009 earthquakes, focusing on home deconstruction and transitional shelters.
To make a tax-deductible donation to the Haiti Earthquake Recovery Fund in support of HODR’s efforts please visit www.HODR.org/HaitiEarthquake today.
For more information on HODR and how to help, visit the organization’s website at www.HODR.org and follow our team on Twitter @HODRops
For media inquiries, please contact Beca Howard – 781.570.9412, Beca@HODR.org
For donation information, please contact Andrew Kerr – 919.830.3573, Andrew@HODR.org
About Hands On Disaster Response:
Hands On Disaster Response (HODR) is a MA-based, 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides hands-on assistance to survivors of natural disasters around the world, with maximum impact and minimum bureaucracy. By supporting volunteers with housing, meals, tools, and organized work at no charge HODR is able to provide free and effective response services to communities in need. The organization welcomes both returning volunteers as well as spontaneous volunteers, people not previously affiliated with any disaster organization, but who are willing to help with whatever needs to be done – from clearing rubble to building homes and schools, from sanitation projects to children’s programs. Previous projects include: Indonesia (2009 Earthquakes – On-going project), New York (2009 Flooding), Arkansas (2009 Tornado), Haiti (2008-2009 Hurricanes), Iowa (2008 Flooding), Missouri (2008 Tornado), Arkansas (2008 Tornado), Bangladesh (2007-2008 Cyclone), Peru (2007-2008 Earthquake), Philippines (2006 Typhoon), Indonesia (2006 Earthquake), Mississippi (2005-2006 Hurricane Katrina), and Thailand (2004 Tsunami). For more information or to donate visit www.HODR.org.
On Tuesday, January 12, 2010, a massive 7.0 earthquake and dozen aftershocks struck Haiti, near the capital of Port-au-Prince. Initial reports are of overwhelming damage in the capital city, affecting an estimated 3 million people.
HODR has launched an assessment team to determine how and where we can be most effective in the recovery efforts. Search and rescue will be critical over the next weeks, and then the work of helping the country recover will begin. Our team arrived in Haiti January 21. We have been and will continue to network with contacts from our 2008-2009 Haiti hurricane response (Project Gonaives) as well as other responding agencies, and meeting with local officials, visiting affected areas and evaluating the recovery needs in order to determine further involvement and the potential for volunteer projects.
We will update www.HODR.org as more information becomes available. You can also follow us on Twitter @HODRops for daily updates and progress.
View our 1/23/10 “Notes from the Field” by clicking here.
For media inquiries, please contact Beca Howard – 781.570.9412, Beca@HODR.org
For donation information, please contact Andrew Kerr – 919.830.3573, Andrew@HODR.org
Thank you for your interest in supporting HODR and the people of Haiti in their time of need.
On Tuesday January 12, 2010, a major earthquake of magnitude 7.0 struck Haiti. We are monitoring the situation and reaching out to networks and friends from our 2008-2009 Haiti hurricane response to help us gain local information and perspective.
We will post more information and any HODR updates over the next several days as more details become available. Stay tuned to www.HODR.org for the most current posts, and follow our International Team via Twitter at twitter.com/HODRops
In response to the recent earthquakes in Indonesia more than 50 volunteers from 11 countries have pitched in to help get the community back on its feet, and we’re excited to share this video that was put together by volunteers on-project. Thanks for your support!
If you’ve volunteered with us or donated to a HODR project, you know first hand what the film “Happiness Is” is talking about. Giving of your time or money helps others in direct and tangible ways, and it just plain feels good to get involved.
“Happiness Is,” a new film by Andrew Shapter, is about the “pursuit of happiness” in America and the power of giving. HODR is excited to be a cause the film supports and if you pay attention you’ll see a couple of our project photos in the film!
Get Involved!
The film is helping spread the message about giving, and especially now, during the holiday season, what better time to get involved?!
Host a “Happiness Is” screening to raise awareness and funds for HODR! Get a group of friends together in your home or use a classroom or auditorium to invite hundreds of people, watch the movie, and ask for a “whatever you can give” donation to HODR. Email Beca at Beca@HODR.org for more info and check out screening suggestions on the film’s website.
Support HODR’s Indonesian Earthquake Response Project!Volunteer or make a tax-deductible donation to directly support families in Indonesia left homeless by the recent devastating earthquakes. Whether you can join us in Indonesia, donate, or help us spread the word and fundraise to get others involved, your support makes a direct impact on those affected. More info »
This Halloween Text-or-Treat –
It’s never been easier to do a little good.
Just text RELIEF to 90999 to send a $5 donation to our Indonesia Earthquake Response! Your donation will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance.
HODR is partnering with Music for Relief (MFR) to help raise funds for HODR’s Project Sungai Geringging, Indonesia and we need your help! MFR is generously supporting HODR with a Text-to-Give campaign (in the US only) through this Tuesday, November 3! All donations will support our Indonesian Earthquake recovery efforts. Please help support our work in Indonesia via a mobile donation and by sharing this easy way to help with your friends.
TEXT-to-Give a $5 donation with the click of a button, OR TREAT us by contributing an even larger donation through our South Pacific Recovery Fund.
Founded by members of the band Linkin Park, Music for Relief is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing aid to victims of natural disasters and the prevention of such disasters. HODR and MFR have partnered in the past to support tornado-survivors in Mena, Arkansas in April/May, 2009. For more information visit www.musicforrelief.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 27, 2009
For more information please contact:
Beca Howard, Communications Manager
781.570.9412Beca@HODR.org
NEARLY ONE MONTH AFTER DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKE IN INDONESIA,
HELP IS STILL NEEDED
Linkin Park’s Music For Relief Partners with Volunteer-Driven Hands On Disaster Response to “Mobilize” Support
SUMATRA, INDONESIA 10/28/2009 – Nearly one month after massive earthquakes devastated Sumatra, Indonesia, the needs are still great; whether physically being “mobile” by going to the disaster zone to volunteer, or sending a “mobile donation”, direct public support is still needed. Hands On Disaster Response (HODR), a US-based volunteer-driven nonprofit is on the ground operating a four-month-long response project to coordinate volunteers from throughout the world to help earthquake-affected residents get back on their feet. Music for Relief (MFR), a nonprofit founded by members of the band Linkin Park, is partnering with HODR to mobilize donations through a Text to Give campaign supporting critical recovery efforts via “mobile donation,” donations sent via text message.
HODR and MFR’s partnership will raise funds to directly support HODR’s volunteer project in Indonesia. The recent earthquake damaged over 200,000 homes and survivors now struggle to remove rubble and erect shelter as the rainy season quickly approaches. Through February, HODR volunteers will be assisting residents with debris removal, demolition of damaged homes, erecting shelters and general recovery efforts, providing the “human power” needed to begin to get devastated families back on their feet. Whether physically being “mobile” by going to the disaster zone to volunteer, or simply send a “mobile donation”, direct public support is still needed.
CRITICAL DISASTER RESPONSE INFORMATION:
• Text To Give: Text RELIEF to 90999 and a $5 donation will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. All donations will support HODR’s Indonesian Earthquake recovery efforts.
• Volunteer: Lend a hand to those in need. HODR creates a platform for anyone interested to directly get involved in the recovery efforts. In return for volunteering their time HODR supports volunteers with housing, meals, tools and on-site training at no cost. Volunteers pay their own way to project site. Visit www.HODR.org/volunteer for more information on volunteering with HODR in Indonesia.
• More Information: See on-site photos, video and more online at Hands On Disaster Response’s website, www.HODR.org.
“HODR was built by and for people whose instinct is to show up and help when they see others in need,” said David Campbell, Founder and Executive Director, HODR. “In a situation where there’s so much work to be done, there’s no greater resource than capable hands to help.”
MFR is supporting HODR’s efforts by promoting this volunteer opportunity to its supporters, making a financial contribution to the efforts, and launching the Text to Give campaign, in order to garner additional support from the public.
When the earthquake struck, the whole world was aware of the devastation. For weeks, months, and beyond the recovery efforts will continue. HODR provides volunteers with housing, meals, tools, and organized work opportunities at no charge – allowing affected communities to benefit from the outpouring of goodwill and able hands as they take the first steps toward recovery.
About Hands On Disaster Response:
Hands On Disaster Response (HODR) is a MA-based 501(c)3 nonprofit built specifically to harness the power of volunteers to provide direct assistance to disaster-affected communities around the world and in the US. HODR welcomes both returning volunteers as well as spontaneous volunteers, people not previously affiliated with any disaster organization, but who are willing to show up and help with whatever needs to be done – from clearing rubble to building homes and schools, from sanitation projects to children’s programs. Previous projects include: New York (2009 Flooding), Arkansas (2009 Tornado), Haiti (2008-2009 Hurricanes), Iowa (2008 Flooding), Missouri (2008 Tornado), Arkansas (2008 Tornado), Bangladesh (2007-2008 Cyclone), Peru (2007-2008 Earthquake), Philippines (2006 Typhoon), Indonesia (2006 Earthquake), Mississippi (2005-2006 Hurricane Katrina), and Thailand (2004 Tsunami). For more information or to donate visit www.HODR.org.
About Music for Relief:
Founded by members of the band Linkin Park, Music for Relief (MFR) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing aid to victims of natural disasters and the prevention of such disasters. MFR has organized a benefit concert featuring multi-platinum artists, sent musicians and volunteers to Southeast Asia and the U.S. Gulf Coast to help rebuild and donate supplies to people in need, and planted over 809,000 trees to help reduce global warming. For more information visit www.musicforrelief.org.
HODR is partnering with Music for Relief (MFR) to help raise funds for Project Sungai Geringging, Indonesia, and we need your help!
MFR has set up a TEXT TO GIVE campaign for HODR that will run from Tuesday October 27, through Tuesday November 5, 2009. Please help support our work in Indonesia via a mobile donation and by sharing the code with your friends.
A simple text from you and your friends can go a long way in getting this hard-hit community back
on its feet!
Text RELIEF to 90999 and a $5 donation will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. All donations will support HODR’s Indonesian Earthquake recovery efforts.
Founded by members of the band Linkin Park, Music for Relief is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing aid to victims of natural disasters and the prevention of such disasters. HODR and MFR have partnered in the past to support tornado-survivors in Mena, Arkansas in April/May, 2009. For more information visit www.musicforrelief.org.
On Sunday, October 25, 2009, we opened our doors to volunteers to join us as we live and work with the people of Sungai Geringging to recover and rebuild from the recent earthquakes.
We are assisting survivors of the 7.9 earthquake which rocked Western Sumatra on 30 September, 2009, and was followed by a separate 7.0 earthquake the following day. The earthquake damaged over 200,000 homes and survivors now struggle to remove rubble and erect shelter as the rainy season quickly approaches. We anticipate working for four months, with the possibility of month-to-month extensions as needed. (If you watched this video of the assessment, you can catch a glimpse of our new base in Padang Pariaman, Sumatra, Indonesia!)
The HODR assessment team has been on the ground since 11 October, 2009, identifying key areas where volunteers can support the community’s mid-term recovery. For specific details of the project and how to get involved take a look at the Volunteer Info section of this site. Please contact Tom at info@hodr.org if you are interested in joining us for Project Sungai Geringging (please put project name as the subject)!
HODR previously worked in Jogjakarta, Indonesia following a 6.3 earthquake in 2006.
Thank you for your support. Donations to our South Pacific Disaster Recovery Fund will go towards Project Sungai Geringging. You can continue to follow our progress via Twitter (@HODRops).
