The ELCA, through the Lutheran World Federation, is already responding to the critical needs of survivors in Haiti.  Thankfully, the LWF offices and staff on the island were spared in the earthquake, making it possible for work to begin immediately.  Staff there will focus their immediate efforts on issues of water safety and sanitation, assisting with medical triage, and providing emergency sheltering for the many who are now homeless.  The ELCA has long-standing relationships in Haiti through several organizations and the Lutheran Church in Haiti.

In anticipation of your generous gifts, ELCA Disaster Response has authorized $250,000 for immediate relief assistance in Haiti, with the possibility for an additional $500,000 as the full scope of this disaster continues to become clear.  Your gifts are needed now to make this type of rapid response possible.

While volunteers, especially skilled workers, will likely be needed in the coming months, the situation on the ground is still far too chaotic – no water, no power, few roads, and very limited communication – to support volunteers traveling to the area in the immediate days.

Read the message from Bishop Hanson.

Thrivent Helping Haiti: A Million Dollar Challenge 
(More information at www.Thrivent.com)

You want to help those affected by the Haiti earthquake. We want to join you.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will add $1 to every $2, up to a total Thrivent Financial contribution of $1 million, when our members donate to one of the following:

• Lutheran World Relief.
• ELCA Domestic Disaster Response.
• LCMS World Relief/Human Care.
• WELS Committee on Relief.

Thrivent Financial will add a maximum of $250 per member donation, and donations will be accepted through March 31, 2010.

For questions or to make a donation over the phone or via U.S. Mail, please call 800-236-3736 from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Central time, Monday – Friday. When prompted, please say "directory" and enter ext. 83003.

Turning $2 Million into $3 Million

We expect that this response will result in more than $3 million to support the earthquake survivors: $2 million donated by members and an additional $1 million from Thrivent Financial.

Be a part of the Helping Haiti effort and make a difference for the victims of this natural disaster.