President Barack Obama Thursday announced that the United States will spend $100 million on relief for earthquake-ravaged Haiti and will focus U.S. government agencies on helping to steer a massive U.S. assistance effort.

Appearing at the White House, Obama said he is dispatching Vice President Joseph Biden to South Florida this weekend to speak with Haitian-Americans, many of whom are desperately trying to contact relatives in the country.

Obama said the $100 million pledged “will mean more of the life-saving equipment, food, water and medicine that will be needed,— adding, “this investment will grow over the coming year as we embark on the long-term recovery from this unimaginable tragedy.—

Obama detailed an intensive commitment by the U.S. military to assist in the crisis.

“The United States armed forces are also on their way to support this effort. Several Coast Guard cutters are already there providing everything from basic services like water, to vital technical support for this massive logistical operation,— he said. “Elements of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division will arrive today. We’re also deploying a Marine Expeditionary Unit, the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, and the Navy’s hospital ship, the Comfort.—