Americans Raise Half Billion Dollars for Haiti

Since the devastating earthquake in Haiti Jan. 12, Americans have donated nearly half a billion dollars to 23 U.S. charities for relief efforts, but most of the money hasn't been spent yet, according to numbers reported this week.

Eighteen percent of that $500 million is being spent on food and water, 11 percent is going toward medical supplies and clinics, six percent on housing, and two percent on operations, an ABC News investigation found.

But 69 percent of the total donations -- about $325 million -- is in the bank, to be used for food and water, medical care, shelter and operational costs over the long term.

The charities that received donations include Operation USA, American Refugee Committee, Merlin, Doctors Without Borders, ABC reported. According to ABC:

The largest recipient of donations -- the Red Cross -- said it's spent about a third of the quarter billion dollars it raised, mostly on shelter items like tents, blankets and tarps. The Red Cross is also providing hygiene kits, kitchen sets, drinking water and vaccinations.

Another organization, Oxfam America has opened eight different sites in Haiti, providing clean drinking water and latrines. They say they are serving 90,000 people.

And a medium-sized charity -- International Medical Corps -- raised $4.5 million and has spent about $1.6 million. They began operating at Haiti's University hospital on the day after the earthquake. The group is "operating 13 mobile clinic sites covering 15 sites," according to their Web site, serving a target population of approximately 450,000.

World Vision provided the most detail about its work. As of Feb. 5, World Vision raised about $77 million worldwide including $25 million in cash from the U.S. Among their priorities -- shelter, water and sanitation, and efforts to protect children.

The Hope for Haiti Now telethon brought in about $66 million, which was distributed to seven different charities.





For the full breakdown of charity donations, click here.