Helping Haiti: How Call Centers Make a Difference
On January 12th, 2010, Haiti experienced their strongest earthquake since 1770, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake was recorded at a magnitude of 7.0 on the Richter scale, leaving 3 million inhabitants of Haiti’s Porte-au-Prince area in desperate need of emergency aid, food, shelter, and care. Haiti’s earthquake was especially severe due to the fact it occurred in a heavily populated area and the nearby buildings and structures were especially vulnerable and not well constructed. Haiti has suffered numerous problems due to the fact construction standards are not regulated, and schools, homes, and buildings have been demolished as a result. Since Tuesday’s quake, survivors are in still in need of support. Although the U.S. and other countries embarked upon a large rescue and aid effort, they have struggled to rescue survivors and provide necessary supplies. As a result many Haitians are still in desperate need of food and water.
How are Call Centers making a difference?
With many earthquake survivors still waiting for food, water, and medicine, call centers are key in helping direct resources and aid to Haiti and surrounding areas in need. Call centers can provide 24-hour service when it comes to fielding all incoming calls. They are also capable of receiving donations and answering the public’s questions. The Red Cross is one such example; they’ve recently set up 22 call volunteer call centers around the United States to receive incoming calls of those who wish to donate, provide assistance, and help for the survivors of Haiti’s disaster.
Call centers make it possible for people to donate money for relief efforts, allowing them to provide care at a critical time. Though the majority of incoming calls fielded by call centers have been related to donations, others concern the whereabouts of relatives. Individuals with relatives in Haiti have called in hoping to locate their loved ones who were living or visiting Haiti at the time of the quake. The Red Cross has provided a website that can help connect you with your loved ones: http://www.familylinks.icrc.org/. At this time, it can still be difficult to get in touch, but help is still on the way—debris and wreckage must be moved before further relief efforts commence.
Call centers all over the U.S. and the world are making a difference in regards to Haiti relief efforts. $37 million dollars have already been raised and donated to Haiti through these means, and call centers are still making it possible for people to donate and reach out to individuals in need. Donations can also be made by text—$8 million dollars have been generated so far by text donations.
Text “HAITI” to 90999 and a $10 donation will be added to your cell phone bill.
Bio: Erica Ronchetti is a freelance writer for Answer Center America, an industry-leading provider of Call Center Services. To find out more about our services: Answering Services, Inbound Call Services, and Outbound Call Services, visit our website today.
