Tester launches online Haiti resource center

Website is clearinghouse for Montanans seeking information, ways to help

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Senator Jon Tester today launched an online resource center for Montanans seeking information, or wanting to help citizens of earthquake ravaged Haiti.

The website—tester.senate.gov/haiti—includes information for Montanans who:

• Want to help earthquake victims;
• Want information about volunteering to help in future disasters.

“A tragedy like this affects folks across all borders, including families in Montana,” Tester said.  “While Haiti isn’t leading the news anymore, folks in our state are still asking what they can do to help. This site will offer some tips for Montanans who want to help.  As always, Sharla’s and my thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected, and to the Montana families still waiting for their adopted children.”

Tester launched the site because of Montanans’ continued requests for information about how they can help.

Tester has been working with several Montana families who have adopted children in Haiti.  Many Haitian children in the process of being adopted by Americans are currently unable to get exit visas to come to the United States.

Tester last month raised concerns with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, and received commitments from them to help speed the process for Montanans adopting children in Haiti.

Several of those children have now reached Montana and their new families.

Montanans looking for more information can log onto tester.senate.gov/haiti or call Tester’s office toll-free at 866-554-4403.