On the other hand, if you could get in with some sort of decent relief organization that could provide some reason of security - they probably could now really use any extra set of hands for all the cleanup they have ahead of them now (contrary to my above post).
Although I’m guessing the money you’d otherwise put into the plane ticket would still be even more appreciated.
Another vote for ‘Don’t’ (though not ‘never’). There are other, safer places where you can do plenty of charity work. I have several Haitian friends who are second-generation immigrants, and only one has gone back (though her parents refused), though several are involved with charities and outreach programs connected to the country. I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have family or government connections (and even then…).
Emailed Ultraviolet.
To see if she was on the trip.
Instead of looking for a local guide and doing it on your own…why not volunteer with an organization in the U.S. that is planning a mission trip, etc. to Haiti and going with them. (safety in numbers)
Then spend two days at a resort in the Dominican Republic before you leave, as a romantic relaxer before you return home.
Ultraviolet replied to email. She is fine.
As noted above, 30 years makes a difference. The Duvaliers weren’t nice people by any stretch of the imagination, but the country was relatively safe for visitors under their rule. Not so today. The Brazilian-led UN mission had made some real strides, and I worry about the impact the quake will have on the nascent state that currently exists as much as I worry about the impact on the individuals involved (on review - this is not to minimize my worry for the folks involved [I’m still waiting to hear news about friends], but to stress my concern for the fragile state of the notion of Haiti as a cohesive and functioning country).
For the record, I grew up spending a month a year in the country, and haven’t been back in a few years, primarily because I don’t feel safe taking my wife there. So, to answer the OP - don’t go. Find somewhere safer, and, as others have said, make sure that your travels are in sustainable fashion. Chances are, your money will have a much greater positive impact than your presence no matter where you’re going and what you’re doing.