On September 9th, 2005, we witnessed firsthand the reality that the youngest survivors were experimenting in Houston. Donations will be destined to various organizations that specialize in helping children overcome the trauma of a natural disaster. Popular Inc., destined an initial grant. On January 2006, the RMF donated two middle schools in Houston humanitarian support for after school programs and psychological assistance to the youngest survivors.

Katrina’s effort concluded last January with a grant donation. Thanks for your support!

To read Ricky Martin’s letter after his visit to Houston, please click here.

Read the Press Release:
The Ricky Martin Foundation provides humanitarian assistance to the youngest survivors of Katrina

In alliance with Habitat for Humanity, we are currently building 224 homes in Thailand for 1,000 people; 40% of them are children.

On December 26th, one of the most devastating natural disasters in history caused the death of thousands of people in Asia. As Martin watched the tragic events unfold, he decided to travel to Thailand with the Foundation in order to witness firsthand the needs of the most vulnerable population. Countless children lost their parents after the tsunami, and were left to the mercy of those who profit from the innocent.

In order to adequately assess the needs of the people and to delineate an action plan, Martin visited Phuket and Phang Nga (coastal provinces located to the south of Bangkok) in January 2005. Along with government officials and support of international organizations, the Foundation visited orphanages, schools, shelters, fishing villages, and the morgue.

After the visit, the Foundation realized that in order to restitute the livelihood of such a population it was crucial to safeguard the orphans. The risks of falling victims to sexual abuse, labor exploitation, or human trafficking would undoubtedly increase without a home.

UN Office of the Special Envoy for Tsunami Recovery - President Clinton is UN Special Envoy In his capacity as UN Special Envoy for Tsunami Recovery, former U.S. President Clinton addressed members of InterAction, a coalition of 160 U.S.- based international development and humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGOs), at the organization's annual Forum.

In April of 2005, with the support of Thailand's Primer Minister and other local authorities, the Foundation announced a partnership with Habitat for Humanity to construct 224 homes in Phuket. One thousands families would benefit from this alliance, among which 40% were children.

With a home, the Foundation and Habitat certainly brought hope to the lives of many. In June of 2005 the Foundation traveled again to Thailand, since Martin had made certain that he would visit Phang Nga prior to his musical tour.

Not only did the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador handed the keys to the first 30 owners, but helped the volunteers construct one of the 224 homes. Completion of the project is scheduled for summer 2006. Martin thanked the local and international volunteers for their solidarity, and encourages individuals, as well as potential corporate partners and international entities, to join the global effort.

The project is 100% complete. Thanks for your unconditional support on behalf of the youngest survivors.

Click here to view the photo gallery of our visit to Thailand.