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Copyright National Geographic

Haiti.

Did you know that if you are considered of the "middle class" in America, you are part of 12% of the richest people in the world? It may not seem that way, considering that middle class Americans face financial problems everyday. But if you look at a country like Haiti, where 80% of the people live in extreme poverty, you might think again the next time you complain about not having enough cute clothes, or a new car. Haiti is not only the poorest country in the Western hemisphere to date, but it is the most unequal as well. A small group of no more than several thousand families are extremely wealthy...and when I say wealthy, I mean ridiculously wealthy, sending their children to Paris and the US for school. The majority of poor that inhabit Haiti is overwhelming, and they realistically have no hope of ever seeing anything different in their lifetime, or those of their offspring. In Port-au-Prince, the slums are even grimmer, where people can expect to earn no more than the equivalent of $2 US dollars a day. Hardly enough to buy food, let alone other necessities. In the markets, mud cakes are sold for 3cents each...and they are exactly what they sound like...mud. Something to fill your stomach?

Ironically enough, I drafted this post on January 4th...and forgot about it, until now, after the largest earthquake in 200 years hits HAITI of all places...it is awful that it takes a catastrophic event to shed light on this country, but at least they are getting help. If you arent doing anything to contribute, well you should be....and maybe not for this cause, but for another one. Haiti isnt the only country that needs help, ours does too, and there is plenty that can be done to help people who have nothing living in our own backyards.

Here are some ways you can donate your time:

www.standupforkids.org

www.nationalcasa.org

www.projecthope.org

www.alphaproject.org