Many times on here, we’ve discussed how to use tarps as a tent and other protection. But, no matter how you angle or place a tarp, the key aspect in using one is the composition – something that a basic tent doesn’t have. The important aspect of all tarps is the waterproof nature of polyethylene and, in instances of camping, tarps are brought along to protect the tent and other items that won’t withstand the rain. With the rain season in Haiti approaching, those left homeless by the hurricane will need some temporary adequate protection, and a tarp, with stakes and rope, will provide better long-term shelter than a camping tent.

If you have some older but still solid tarps hanging around and want to donate your materials to Haiti, various local organizations and companies may take your supplies. Although this varies by location, churches, various charitable organizations, and even companies that sell camping equipment and tarps have all chipped into relief efforts by holding drives for supplies. If you’re interested in donating tarps, with rope or stakes, to Haiti, look up any organizations in your area holding such supplies drives. They will, in most cases, take your old tarps, assuming the material isn’t torn or too worn.