The Haitian disaster is being characterized as one of the greatest humanitarian emergencies the Americas have ever faced; nations and foreign aid organizations across the globe are responding with rescue teams, money, supplies, and equipment – but right now, the challenge lies in getting that aid to the people who need it most.

Rescue efforts in Haiti; photo by Bluecorp, via TwitPic

The World Bank is offering $100 million in aid; the World Food Programme is mobilizing 15,000 tonnes of food aid; and the Red Cross is working to amass $10 million in aid, the BBC reported today. The US has already sent several teams to Port-au-Prince; China has sent a 50-person rescue team; and planes from neighboring Dominican Republic are still arriving. Many, including a British rescue team, are being forced to land in the Dominican Republic before entering Haiti.

Banks, large corporations, and retail operations across the world are scrambling to offer cash, in-kind donations, and other aid to the battered nation, Reuters reported today: Digicel Group has offered $5 million in cash; Bank of America is donating $1 million; and Home Depot, the US’s largest home improvement chain, has pledged $100,000 to the Red Cross, while Lowe’s, the second largest home improvement chain and Home Depot’s main rival, is donating $1 million to the organization.

Relief organisers say that the best way to help Haiti now is through cash donations, Reuters reported.

Organisations are also collecting money and donations from individuals; if you’d like to donate to the relief effort, here are several options:

UNICEF, the UN Children’s Fund

OxFam

Save the Children