Earthquake Relief

As we hear the tragic news about the earthquake that devastated parts of Turkey and Syria earlier this month and the climbing death toll, we know that many feel called to support survivors. According to the U.N. Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over four million Syrians who rely on humanitarian aid live in the affected region. Turkey is the largest refugee host country in the world, with many disadvantaged and vulnerable people residing within its borders. 

Our Austin-area Turkish and Turkish-American neighbors from Dialogue Institute Austin and Raindrop Foundation have specifically reached out requesting assistance for those affected. We have partnered with both organizations in the past to host Iftar dinners during the Muslim month of Ramadan and to learn about each other’s faiths in “The Sultan and the Saint” 8-week course. 

Before you give, here are tips for vetting organizations that are collecting funds to benefit disaster victims: 

• From NPR: How to make sure your donation will do the most good for earthquake survivors

• From CharityWatch: 10 Tips for Giving in a Crisis

Organizations you might consider donating to:

• Dialogue Institute Austin and Raindrop Foundation recommend giving to EmbraceRelief.org

• Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) has existing partnerships in Syria - including with the Blue Marist Brothers, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the Greek Syrian church

• CharityWatch has a list of organizations that meet its highest ratings and are supporting earthquake victims, along with links to donate to them directly

We know those affected appreciate your prayers and support.