Is it true that if you can't itemize on your taxes you can't write off charitable contributions?

I have itemized for years now, so I have not thought about this in a long time. A relative of mine was pointing out that her donation to Haiti can’t be written off because she doesn’t itemize anymore having her house paid off and low property taxes, and she does not give thousands away.

So, this made me realize that lower and middle class who don’t own property probably can’t get any tax benefit from giving to charity.

I glanced over the tax forms, and it seems this is correct, but wanted to ask the collective.

Seems unfair if this is true. Although, I do admit I would want to discourage people from giving money away they really cannot afford to give.