When a disaster strikes, especially one of the proportions as the Haiti earthquake, the question is always asked: what’s the best way to help? My friends who work for non-profits all have similar responses, summed up like this:

Make sure the organization you’re helping has a plan. When millions of people are affected, emotions run high and you want to help quickly. Make sure you are giving your time and money to those who are on the ground, helping people. Don’t be afraid to call and ask the organization how they are helping before you give them your money. My friend said it best: pity is not a plan.

Read blogs and news reports from those close to the situation and people you trust to find out what the needs are and what your options are. A good resource to check the fiscal responsibility of organizations is Charity Navigator. A four star rating is what you’re looking for. It doesn’t take a long time to do your research, and it is worth it to maximize your effort.

Help smaller/local organizations or local chapters of larger organizations. Churches and missions in your area are probably mobilizing people to help those affected by the disaster. Your local chapters of larger organizations have people you can speak to. Call them, and find out how you can help.

And while you’re at it, find out what other efforts they are doing to fight homelessness, poverty, and tragedy in your local community and how you can help. Don’t let large-scale disasters overshadow the pain of those in your local community.

Help Haiti

There are a number of ways you can help Haiti. Here are three faith-based organizations I trust and have 4-star ratings on Charity Navigator.

1. Compassion International Disaster Relief: Make an online donation and give Haiti your Facebook/Twitter profile pic to raise awareness.
2. Samaritan’s Purse: Franklin Graham’s international relief organization.
3. World Vision: They have people on the ground in Haiti right now.

What other advice do you have? What efforts are you involved in? Let us know in the comments.

*Update: My friend Kevin at No Debt Plan also has an outstanding article on safe ways to help Haiti.