Letter From Speaker Christine Quinn

In light of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn released this letter last week letting New Yorkers how they can help. She also gave out the U.S. State Departments number for people trying to contact loved ones in Haiti.

January 14, 2010


Dear New Yorker,

As you've undoubtedly heard, this past Tuesday Haiti was hit by a major 7.0 earthquake that devastated its capital, Port-au-Prince. The extent of the damage is truly shocking. Members of New York's large Haitian
American community are understandably anxious about their loved ones and the state of their homeland.

We at the NYC Council are working closely with Governor Paterson, Mayor
Bloomberg and Haitian American leaders across the City and State to help
respond to this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who've been affected by this devastating earthquake.

The Haitian government with the assistance of the international community is in the process of rescue and recovery, as well as assessing the damage and determining what will be needed to assist survivors and rebuild the country. New Yorkers who want to help those in Haiti are
encouraged to donate to the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City. Donations to this fund can be made safely and securely in the following
ways:

*Online at https://www.nyc.gov/html/fund/html/donate/donate.shtml

* By phone at 212-788-7794 or call 311

* Mail checks, with Haiti Earthquake Relief written in the memo,
to:

Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City
One Centre Street, 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10007


The Mayor's Fund will direct contributions to reputable,
well-established organizations such as the American Red Cross that are
working on the scene.

Of course many New Yorkers want to contribute food and other supplies directly to the victims. We've been told that because of conditions on the ground in Haiti it would be difficult to receive such supplies and
to deliver them where they're most needed. The magnitude of the problem
is just too great and too complex. So again, we urge New Yorkers who want to help to make donations to the Mayor's Fund. You can also donate directly to the Red Cross by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or online at
www.redcross.org <http://www.redcross.org/> .

The U.S. State Department has set up a hotline for people trying to reach family members in Haiti. That number is 1-888-407-4747.

Again, our thoughts and prayers are with all those who've been affected
by this devastating earthquake. To those Haitian Americans in NYC, if there's anything we can do to help you, please let me know.


Sincerely,

Christine C. Quinn

Speaker

New York City Council