Kerry gives update on communications repairs, flights

Senator John Kerry's office has just issued a statement on efforts to restore communications in Haiti. Kerry is Chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet. He characterized yesterday as the today commented on efforts by "the biggest day in history for mobile phone generated charity." Kerry's statement also brought new information about Spirit Airlines, which he says is "resuming flights in and out of Haiti on Thursday, January 14." Here are Senator Kerry's comments:

Western Union offers "no fee" money transfers

Western Union, the money transfer company, has begun offering "no fee" money transfers to Haiti today, the company tells the Haitian Reporter. The company says the offer is good on "any amount sent to Haiti from the United States, Canada and France... for a period of seven days, once service is reestablished throughout the country, when sending money to Haiti from the U.S., Canada and in France, in cooperation with our Agents."

Catholic parishes plan prayer services

The Archdiocese of Boston has planned a series of prayer services for the Boston Haitian community and friends: "The Office of Outreach and Cultural Diversity for the Archdiocese of Boston has announced a series of prayer services for those impacted by the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Tonight, (January 14) there will be a prayer service at St. Angela's Church 1545 Blue Hill Avenue in Mattapan at 6p.m. On Friday, January 15, there will be exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 10:00 AM until 6:00 p.m. at St. Angela's Church in Mattapan

A Search for the Missing, Trapped

The International Committee of the Red Cross has set up a missing persons database that can be used to track the whereabouts of loved ones. A Haitian-American family in Philadelphia is getting text messages from their uncle in Delmas who is seeking relief aid at the Diatsu dealership there. They have posted an appeal at CNN.com

Boston unions step up to assist in recovery effort

Local unions are organizing efforts to raise funds for Haiti after a massive earthquake devastated the poor island nation. SEIU Local 1199, which has 4,000 Haitians among its membership, will be fundraising and planning to send a delegation to Haiti to offer volunteer services from nurses and other health workers, according to Herbert Jean-Baptiste, chair of the Haitian Caucus within the union. He is also working to get SEIU Locals 615 and 509 involved as well, he said.

NECN coverage of the Jan. 13 meeting at Boston's Cathedral

New England Cable News covered tonight's emergency meeting held at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in the South End. Related: Menino, state leaders roll out plans for Haiti response

Hoping to volunteer to go to Haiti? Here's how

Donna Barry, chief policy director for the Boston-based Partners in Health organization, says that the organization is now registering health care workers who are willing to go to Haiti. "If you are a health professional interested in volunteering, please send an email to volunteer@pih.org with information on your credentials, language capabilities (Haitian Creole or French desired), availability, and contact information." Go here for more info.

Menino rolls out info on Haiti response plan

City to open resource center for local families and offer direct outreach to Haiti Editor's note: The following is a press release issued by Mayor Tom Menino's office at 5:40 p.m. today: Mayor Thomas M. Menino announced this afternoon that the City of Boston, in conjunction with a number of community partners, would begin mobilizing resources to assist the victims and families impacted by the magnitude-7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti yesterday. In an outreach effort aimed directly at victims in Haiti as well as local families with

Coakley: Beware of illegit "charities" seeking earthquake donations

Attorney General Martha Coakley’s office has issued a cautionary message to those looking to donate funds to help earthquake victims in Haiti: beware of scammers and illegitimate agencies seeking to take advantage of the groundswell of sympathy.

Breaking News: Kerry, Kirk call on Obama to grant TPS to Haitians

Massachusetts Senators John Kerry and Paul Kirk are calling on President Barack Obama to lift a ban on granting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to all Haitian nationals now living in the U.S. , Kerry and Kirk joined 13 other senators in issuing a letter to the president this afternoon. The letter follows an announcement made by the Office of Homeland Security earlier in the day that said the U.S. would halt "returns" of illegal Haitian immigrants to Haiti "for the time being." That brief statement made no mention of revising the TPS policy.

Boston Haitian Reporter