Haiti-born Jean says he was on the phone with a friend who was on the island when she told him, “an earthquake is coming.”

Jean told CNN the line then went dead, and an hour went by before he was able to reconnect.

Now Jean is calling on Haitians living in the U.S. and throughout the world to “step up” and make sure the relief flows into the devastated area.

Those answering Jean’s plea can text the word “YELE” TO the number 501501. Doing so will authorize a $5 contribution to be added to your cell phone bill.