The Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs (CAPAA) offers its deepest sympathies and thoughts to the families and individuals who have been impacted by Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda).
The Filipino community is the second largest Asian Pacific Islander group in Washington. Sofia Aragon, a first generation Filipino American with family near the disaster area and Chair of CAPAA issued the following statement:
“There are more than 90,000 Filipino Americans residing in Washington, this natural disaster affects countless members of our community. A heartfelt thank you to those working to raise funds, collect donated goods, and provide direct aid to survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, including the U.S. military, the Filipino communities of Seattle, Yakima, and South Puget Sound, the Filipino Lawyers of Washington, the American Federation of Teachers, the WA State Nurses Association, and many others.”
Governor Inslee issued the following statement:
“On behalf of all Washingtonians, I extend a hand of compassion and friendship to the people of the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. The tragic loss of life and widespread property destruction from this storm has affected the lives of countless individuals around the world, and we grieve with those who have lost family or friends.
“The contributions of the Filipino community helped build Washington state, and have made us stronger both culturally and economically. Now we have an opportunity to stand together with the people of the Philippines and support them during this time of dire need.
“There are various organizations doing great work providing critical aid and assistance to the victims of this tragedy, and I encourage Washingtonians to give as they are able in support of these humanitarian efforts. With help from the global community, the people of the Philippines will get through these extremely difficult times.”
CAPAA supports the tireless efforts of our Filipino American community members and organizations working to provide relief efforts to family and friends in the devastated central Philippines.
How you can help:
Donate to organizations that are assisting with disaster relief efforts in the affected region through the Washington State Combined Fund Drive. Select from more than 20 organizations assisting in relief efforts at www.cfd.wa.gov/cfd/Rise-Up-Campaign.aspx
Donate goods. The Filipino Community of Seattle is shipping donated items as well as collecting funds. Visit www.fcseattle.org or call 206-722-9372 for more information. Items that are needed include:
• Bottled water and/or a portable water filter since clean water is the first thing to go in a disaster.
• Non-perishable foods such as canned soups/stews, canned fish and meats, cereal, instant potatoes, instant rice, instant oatmeal, pasta, foil top fruit in a cup, milk powder, canned butter, and cooking oils.
• Toiletries such as toilet paper, feminine care products, toothbrush, mouth wash, hand sanitizer, and bucket and garbage bags for emergency toilet.
• First Aid materials including antibacterial ointment, antifungal ointment, anti-diarrhea pills, anti-histamine spray for insect bites, rolls of gauze, band aids, wound dressing, rubbing alcohol and peroxide, and multi-vitamins.
Attend a local fundraiser:
• Wapato: The Filipino American Community of Yakima Valley (FACYV) will hold a dinner fundraiser at the Filipino Community Hall in Wapato, WA. Contact Rey Pascua, president of FACYV at reypascua@embarqmail.com or 509-840-2266 for more information.
• Seattle: Filipino Community of Seattle is holding numerous fundraising events including a disaster relief event scheduled for Nov. 22 at 6 PM. Visit www.fcseattle.org or call 206-722-9372 for more information.
• Bellevue: Project United Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fundraiser at Lucky Strike Bowling on November 22nd from 6-11 PM.
Below are additional organizations and resources that we are listing for your information.
• CARE: Visit www.care.org/emergencies/typhoon-haiyan for more information.
• Comcast: The Filipino Channel is available free to its customers in the state through Nov. 18. The channel is available on Xfinity TV channel 241.
• EMPACT Northwest, based out of Tacoma, is deploying medical and rescue teams to thePhilippines. Visit www.empactnorthwest.org/empact-disaster-team-packed-philippines .
• Feed the Hungry, Inc.: www.feedthehungryphil.org
• Mercy Corps: Visit www.mercycorps.org/typhoon or call 1-800-292-3355.
• National Alliance for Filipino Concerns: Visit www.nafconusa.org/2013/11/anakbayan-seattle-fundraising-for-the-nafcon-bayanihan-relief-effort
• The Philippine Red Cross www.redcross.org.ph
• WorldVision, based in Federal way, is providing food, clean water and emergency shelter: www.worldvision.org
For assistance with finding friends and family in affected areas:
• Google Person Finder: Google has setup a website at http://google.org/personfinder/2013-yolanda to help reconnect with friends and loved ones in the aftermath of natural and humanitarian disasters.
As always after disasters, please exercise caution when donating funds to ensure your money helps those in need. Visit the Secretary of State’s website for tips on giving wisely.