As Americans we are a generous people. Throughout the country countless congregations and organizations are gathering things they think are needed to serve survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). Many of these kind-hearted folks will be wrong. Fur coats and frozen lasagna are not needed in the Philippines. What is needed? A well-coordinated and well-resourced humanitarian response.

To be part of a well-coordinated and well-resourced humanitarian response, we turn to responding agencies with experience in international disasters – proven systems like the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI).

Financial support is always the most useful and versatile help we can give. Please visit USAID, CIDI, and download this fact sheet for additional information on how to help. At the bottom of the CIDI page, for example, are short videos that explain how to smartly respond to international disaster.

Please share the word that financial support to appropriate responding agencies is the best way to help in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda).

Thank you.