In January, a devastating 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, leaving in its wake a humanitarian disaster.

Much of Haiti’s existing infrastructure is not functioning and basic human needs are not being met.

People across the world are stepping in to lend a hand, including many in the local community. As a service to those in the area who are participating in relief efforts, the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge launched “Valley Connects to Haiti” through a social network that allows online collaboration and discussion.

The Community Foundation hopes to foster communication among local individuals and groups that have an interest in Haiti. Church groups, civic groups, school groups and health care teams have all mobilized Haitian relief efforts.

Dozens of local organizations are involved, but their efforts are not yet coordinated.

“This site provides a way for people to exchange and share information, and better monitor needs,” says Becky Kohler, President of the Community Foundation. “We started thinking about this prior to the earthquake, when 18 folks from all over our community ended up taking the same Creole language class in Staunton. They all had an interest in or a connection to Haiti, but did not know about each other. Clearly, the need to connect is even greater now after the earthquake.”