From saquake.org

The most urgent priority need on the ground right now is for shelter and warmth. Below is a list of resources on donating tents - Please keep in mind that tents should be 'winterized' and water-proof, accomodate at least 5-8 people and where possible, should have some bathroom facility

Today through the efforts of Azar Abbasi, his team of volunteers and PDC member support we have been able to mobilize an effort to transport one container full of Relief Items for victims of the Pakistan Earth Quake. JFK is flooded with Relief Items bound for Pakistan and we are having problems with our container shipment. However Azar Abbasi is in New York today negotiating with PIA to ensure that the container gets on a PIA flight headed for Pakistan where the folks from Rural Support Network (www.rspn.org) are waiting to receive the Relief Items consignment.

Visit this section to find out how you can help continue to support the relief effort.

I've spent the last few days working with a large number of enthusiastically dedicated individuals who have been sorting out thousands of boxes of donations, transferring them from ADAMS to a warehouse and onto a tractor-trailor.

We've had to turn away a large number of donors. Some have been sending in regular clothes and an unusual odd assortment of utterly unnecessary goods. Now only tents, medical supplies and blankets are being accepted; no exceptions.

ADAMS Center needs a large number of volunteers for the next few days to sort out donated goods. I was there last night and was enlighted by the comradarie and spirit of the team effort.

Volunteers are needed for the following days and times: 

    Thursday. 5pm - 9pm

    Friday. 9am - 9pm (several volunteers must come in the morning)

AP: Search for shelter in Pakistan frantic

It is clear what is needed most in Pakistan now and communities from China to North America have responded by donating tents and finding creative ways (recycling bilboard canvas) to provide warmth and shelter to the homeless.

Dear Friends:
This is Sameena Nazir from Pakistan. I need your urgent attention to our latest update below. Please take a few minutes to read and help if you can. Please also pass on this message to others you know who may be able to help. Thanks.

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UPDATE: Monday, October 16, 2005
Our Pakistani NGO, PODA has sent two teams to the worst hit areas of the earthquake in Kashmir.   

While communities from Seattle to New York have provided extensive information on drop-off locations, there has not been a similar level of coordination for the Greater DC community.

Individuals and organizations in the area need to come out and offer some space to store relief items and a handoff to PIA and other distribution networks.

The current priority is to get as many tents to affected populations as soon as possible. The winter weather will wreak greater havoc on an already grim situation. See also these news items from BBC and NPR.

The influx of donations and supplies will likely begin their slow wane in the coming weeks. While medical supplies are needed now, reports are coming in of the long-term need of keeping those affected sheltered and warm over the upcoming months of wintery weather.

Tents are needed in massive amounts with an effective means to transport them. Some points to note:

1. Sending used and new tents from abroad through PIA is not always effective as there are extensive delays with receiving customs permission
2. Funds should be allocated for the long-term to supply tents for affected populations
   
3. Tents should be purchased within Pakistan and transported
4. If there is a domestic limit on supply then they should be purchased and transported directly from a local manufacturer (possibly China).

Action Items:

Pakistan International Airlines is flying supplies out to Pakistan from New York City for FREE on Saturday Oct. 22. They are in need of the items below. There are several drop off points in DC, MD and VA area. 

The DC drop off is  at 1320 Vermont Ave NW Washington DC 2005, you
can contact Sadaf Tajammal at (703) 200-4626 to drop off at her place.