PROVIDENCE -- Two support organizations that are based in Rhode Island have operations focused on Haiti.
The Haitian Project, based in Providence, owns and operates a free boarding school in Haiti's capital.
The Louverture Cleary School near the Port-au-Prince airport was rattled in Tuesday's earthquake, but it remained mostly intact. Only one serious injury was reported.
Students and staff slept on the ground's soccer field.
"From preliminary reports, it looks like some natural formation of Haiti guarded us against the worst of the earthquake and the aftershocks," said Reese Gondin, vice president of operations. "We have been very fortunate, especially compared to much of Haiti."
About 350 gifted students live free of charge at the school while attending classes. Now, the priority is survival.
"Water, food, rebuilding, and of course, trying to continue our own operations as a school," Gondin said.
Warwick-based Plan USA has had a presence in Haiti four decades, focusing on child-centered community development projects.
"I have friends I haven't heard from yet," said program officer Winnie Tay.
Plan USA pledged an additional $500,000 in funds to help deal with the catastrophe.
"Though it's bad, there's always hope," Tay said. "If we all rally together, we can help put Haiti back on its feet."
Plan USA raises funds in 21 countries and works in 48 developing countries worldwide.
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