A Message to the Penn Community From President Amy Gutmann Regarding Typhoon Haiyan |
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| According to the Philippine government, the typhoon took thousands of lives, destroyed at least 80,000 homes, and though the numbers of people left homeless vary, their estimates put it at more than 582,000 and there are millions of people in need of food, water and shelter. |
As news emerges of the devastation in the Philippines caused by Typhoon Haiyan, our hearts and thoughts are with all of those who have been impacted by this terrible tragedy.
The needs in the Philippines are enormous, and many people on campus have asked how they can help. The organizations listed below have all initiated relief efforts. Visit their websites to read how you may be able to donate or help. These organizations are recommended because they have a long-standing record of success in responding to international crises:
The American Red Cross:
http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Typhoon-Haiyan-Disaster-Alert
Doctors Without Borders:
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/
UNICEF: https://secure.unicefusa.org/site/Donation2?df_id=16500&16500.donation=form1
AmeriCares: http://americares.org/
The Penn Philippine Association has held meetings to formalize plans for fundraising and relief efforts. As those plans are finalized they will be publicized on campus.
Those students, faculty or staff interested in fundraising and relief efforts may contact the Penn Philippine Association or the Pan-Asian American Community House (PAACH).
Fundraising took place in conjunction with Asian-Pacific American Heritage Week events last week, including the November 14 concert which raised over $2000 for Gawad Kalinga.
Those who might be affected by the tragedy are encouraged to contact the following offices for counseling assistance.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
(215) 898-7021
http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/caps
Office of Student Affairs
(215) 898-6533 or osa@dolphin.upenn.edu
http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/osa/
Pan-Asian American Community House (PAACH)
(215) 746-6046
http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/paach
Penn Global—International Student and Scholar Services
(215) 898-4661
http://global.upenn.edu/isss
Penn Abroad
(215) 898-9073
http://global.upenn.edu/pennabroad
University Chaplain’s Office
(215) 898-8456
http://www.upenn.edu/chaplain/
Student Financial Services
(215) 898-1988 or sfsmail@exchange.upenn.edu
http://www.sfs.upenn.edu/
Vice Provost for University Life
(215) 898-6081 or avpsa@pobox.upenn.edu
http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/
Employee Assistance Program
(888) 321-4433
http://www.hr.upenn.edu/myhr/worklife/healthy/eap
Overcoming Catastrophe as an International Community
The Penn Philippine Association (PPA) would like to offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to the families and loved ones of those affected by Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda and many thanks to all those who have shown support so far.
As a student organization with members both from the Philippines and with family living in the country, we realize in this difficult time that much work needs to be done. We firmly believe in the spirit and the resilience of the Filipino people and pray for their speedy recovery in the aftermath of this catastrophe. PPA would also like to emphasize our availability for any students, faculty and staff to find the resources and support necessary to cope with this horrible disaster. As history has shown, crises on this scale are only overcome as an international community.
All of us look forward to partnering with organizations throughout the area to bolster relief efforts immediately. If you or your group is interested in collaborating toward relief efforts, please contact our board at ppa.board@gmail.com |
Related: A Coffeehouse to Support Gawad Kalinga
Beware of Phishing Emails in the Wake of Typhoon Haiyan |
