By Donna Lamb

In the aftermath of Haiti’s latest catastrophe, Council Member Mathieu Eugene, the first Haitian American elected to the City Council, sends his thoughts, prayers and heartfelt sympathy to his brothers and sisters in Haiti as they continue to cope with this tragedy. He also extends these sentiments to all those living in the United States and throughout the Diaspora who have, as he does, family and loved ones in Haiti.

"This earthquake is a huge blow to a nation already struggling with great adversity, and I am deeply saddened by it," said the Council Member. "Meanwhile, I am doing everything in my power to help bring relief. I am working with my colleagues at the city, state and federal level to assess the situation, and we are putting together our resources to most effectively respond to this tragedy."

Eugene is remaining in constant contact with Washington, DC to keep updated about the situation while he also continues his meetings with Governor David Paterson, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn as well as other elected officials and community leaders gravely concerned about Haiti. "Just as we did several years ago when Haiti was hit by devastating hurricanes, we are doing everything we can to meet this crisis," Eugene stated.

The Council Member also said he is touched by and very grateful to the many New Yorkers who immediately showed their eagerness to step forward and assist in every way possible. Meanwhile, it is clear that this disaster is so overwhelming that the United States government and the United Nations will need to lead the relief effort, particularly since Haiti lacks the infrastructure to facilitate the effort.

As Mayor Bloomberg stated, instead of donating material goods such as food and clothing, the most efficient way to help now is through monetary contributions that can go directly to relief organizations on the scene and allow them to buy the supplies and equipment to address the most urgent needs. One of the best ways to give money is through the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York, which will direct contributions to well-established reputable organizations that are working on the scene, such as the American Red Cross. The Mayor’s Fund can be reached by calling 311.

Even before this earthquake, the region’s worst in 200 years, Council Member Eugene was in the process of drawing together an alliance to augment support and send more help to this nation that has, in recent years, been ravaged repeatedly by natural disasters. In light of this recent catastrophe, the Council Member is stepping up his efforts to put together a coalition of leaders from within the Haitian community to work with other American city, state and federal officials to bring about the best results. "I urge everyone – both within the Haitian community and people of good will everywhere – to come together in support of Haiti," Eugene said. "Please call my district office at (718) 287-8762 to become a part of this effort."