In the wake of a 7.0-magnitude earthquake near the capital city of Port-au-Prince in Haiti, Church World Service (CWS) staff are quickly responding, contacting long-term partners in the country and working with them to assess the situation. While authorities still don't know the extent of the damage, it is estimated that 3 million people may be affected by Haiti's worst earthquake in 200 years. One survivor reports there are thousands of people roaming the streets, looking for shelter.

"Haiti is already the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with 8 out of 10 people living in extreme poverty," says Joseph Moran, Managing Regional Director for the Southeast Region of CWS. "Now the needs are greater than ever before for this already vulnerable island nation," adds Moran.

CWS has an established presence in Haiti and is immediatelysending funds to local partners there as they continue to assess the situation. The CWS Emergency Response Program is standing ready to provide CWS Kits and CWS Blankets to people in need. Donations are urgently needed. Visit www.churchworldservice.org to find out how you can help.