Haiti Assistance and Relief Taskforce (HART)


The Secretary of the Senate under the Leadership of Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson, President Pro Tem Malcolm A. Smith, and Majority Leader Pedro Espada have convened a task-force to assist members’ offices with constituent based issues and concerns. The Haiti Assistance & Relief Taskforce (HART) is putting together a series initiatives including but not limited to, conference calls, clergy meetings, virtual webcasts and town-hall style meetings where constituents can have their questions answered by representatives from USAID, FEMA, the US State Department and other agencies and organizations that are partnering in the relief effort. This website is the Senate's online resource where you will find the most up to date info on our relief efforts.

Photo by mweriksson on flickr.

Initiative Updates

A Day Of Solidarity For Haiti's Lost Sons And Daughters

On Sunday, May 16th 2010, beginning at 12 noon, Haitian Americans and supporters of Haiti will take part in a memorial procession from the Arch at Grand Army Plaza Prospect Park  in Brooklyn, and walk along Flatbush Avenue over the Brooklyn Bridge.  The memorial program/service will take place at Foley Square Park (Centre Street in Manhattan) at approximately 3:00 PM. The NY Haiti Memorial falls close to Haitian Flag Day which is celebrated on May 18th in Haiti.

May 14, 2010
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A Day Of Solidarity And Prayer For Haiti’s Lost Sons And Daughters Sunday, May 16th 2010

May 18th 2010 will mark the 206th anniversary of Haiti’s independence as a nation. This year, Haitian Flag Day will be celebrated in the shadow of the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010. This earthquake killed over 230,000 men, women and children and in the tumult and chaos that followed, proper burials could not be done. This tragedy has brought a sense of lost pride to Haitians at home and outside of the country.

May 16, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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President Obama's Press Relase on S.2949 the "Emergency Aid to American Survivors of the Haiti Act of 2010"

The White HouseOffice of the Press SecretaryFor Immediate ReleaseJanuary 27, 2010Statement by the Press Secretary on S.2949

On Wednesday, January 27, 2010, the President signed into law:S. 2949, the “Emergency Aid to American Survivors of the Haiti Earthquake Act of 2010,” which increases, from $1 million to $25 million, the cap for fiscal year 2010 on the amount that the Department of Health and Human Services may spend for the provision of assistance to repatriated U.S. citizens; increases, by $65 million, the 2010 funding for the Medicaid Qualified Individual program; and reduces the Medicaid Improvement Fund by $90 million.White House Press Release on S2949S2949 on Thomas.gov

February 1, 2010
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NYS Senator Eric Adams’ statement on the New York Haitian Earthquake Family Resource Center

NYS Senator Eric Adams’ statement on the New York Haitian Earthquake Family Resource Center:

 “January 12th will always be a day of mourning for Haitians and for Haitian-Americans.  The catastrophic earthquake in Haiti caused shock and grief that extends far beyond Haiti’s borders, and we in New York City have the largest Haitian-American population and the oldest Haitian-American communities in the U.S.

 

January 28, 2010
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Haiti Assistance & Relief Taskforce (HART)

As the Chairwoman of the Haiti Assistance and Relief Taskforce – H.A.R.T., Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson is sponsoring this town hall meeting to: 

January 28, 2010
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Verizon waves long distance charges to Haiti

Verizon waves long distance charges to HaitiMedia contacts: Ellen Yu (Long-Distance Calling), 908-559-3496, ellen.yu@verizon.comBrian Malina (VZ Foundation), 908-559-6434, brian.c.malina@verizon.comVerizon Waiving Prepaid Long-Distance Phone Card Charges for All Calls From U.S. to Haiti Through Feb. 14 Company Expands Help for Connecting Family and Friends With Earthquake Victims 

January 27, 2010
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ANSWERING THE CALL - Fundrasier

The Global Syndicate in Association with One People One Haiti & Friends Presents ANSWERING THE CALL A Fundraising Initiative Benefiting Earthquake Victims in Haiti M2 Ultra Lounge530 West 28th Street, NY Thursday, Jan 28th 6 - 7 p.m. Open Bar Mix & MingleSponsored by Belvedere Vodka & Heineken 7 -10 p.m. Program Featuring Special GuestsPerformance By Carlo of Carimi  100% Proceeds to Beneficiaries

January 28, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
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Senate President Pro Tem Malcolm A. Smith Accepts $50,000 For Haitian Relief on Behalf Of Senate

“Somos Una Isla”…”We Are One Island” Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at a benefit concert themed “Somos Una Isla”, Senate President Malcolm A. Smith accepted $50,000 donated by Dominican band Aventura, and the group's tour sponsor, Anheuser-Busch, on behalf of the New York State Senate to give relief to the millions of Haitian citizens displaced by a massive earthquake last week. 

January 26, 2010
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Free assistance preparing applications for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

The New York City Immigrant Advocacy Initiative(a CBJC/AILA collaboration)

Invites the Haitian community to a FREE TPS CLINICLawyers will provide free, confidential assistance preparing applications for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other related immigration issues.Bring all your (and your children’s) relevant documents – passport, birth certificate, any correspondence from the Immigration Service.

January 28, 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
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