Six months after the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake, life is slowly resuming for families in Haiti, but it is a new post-earthquake life of rebuilding communities and coming to terms with a new “normal.” The new normal includes some being able to return to homes that have been repaired. For others, it means having to find a new home - often with a relative or neighbor. World Concern supports the survivors to ensure they have their basic needs met, and have a chance to rebuild their lives after they’ve lost everything.
In the initial phase of the earthquake, World Concern helped more than 100,000 people, delivering food, water, tarps or other goods or services. The initial phase was to preserve life, and lasted for about two months.
Now, six months out, we are helping families rebuild their lives in a deeper way, focusing on longer-term needs. We’re supporting people in several ways, including with jobs, food, health and housing. Housing is critical as the temporary camps and tarps will not withstand the fall rains. We've already repaired more than 500 homes. In the next few months, our goal is to build or repair more than 2,000 homes and give a hand to thousands of people who must begin life again. We need you to help us meet the ongoing need!
As of July 7, World Concern has expanded our efforts into the Fort National neighborhood, after spending months repairing homes and helping business owners restart their businesses in the Delmas region. We now employ 2,100 people in this effort.
In the last several months, World Concern has repaired more than 500 homes and delivered the same number of kit homes, which will replace homes too damaged to repair. We've given out 720 cash grants to merchants to restart their businesses, and provided 580 livelihood grants to replace damaged or lost equipment.
Haiti is now in its rainy season. Most large storms do not come until fall, but the camps where many are living are becoming muddy messes.
One of those who World Concern has helped is named Rosena Pierre. When the quake hit, she was in her house. She ran out as a wall inside collapsed, along with the roof. Her family lost a bed and a table, but escaped with their lives. She is pictured here with her sisters and her cousins, and says, “Thank you.” We replaced the fallen wall and built a new roof.
Neighborhood committees choose who receives new homes or home repairs first. World Concern guides the process, providing oversight, supplies and expertise. We’re maintaining our focus on those most vulnerable.
World Concern continues to support children and families who were involved in our programs in Haiti before the earthquake, including providing emergency supplies, medications for people living with AIDS, and children being able to return to school. We are committed to providing continued support to the people of Haiti through the entire recovery and rebuilding process as the country continues to heal from this devastating disaster.
Food, water, shelter – the basics of life. That’s what World Concern is delivering to those who need it most right now in Haiti. Beyond the initial disaster, though, is another important need: healing from emotional trauma.
You can provide relief to children in Haiti by building a “Kids’ Healing Kit” – a way for boys and girls to find some relief from their pain. Learn more.
Read the Story of Georges: A Highlight of Hope
Haiti Earthquake Update: April 30th, 10:00 am
Haiti Earthquake Update: April 2nd, 11:00 am
Haiti Earthquake Update: Feb. 10, 9:44 am
Haiti Earthquake Update: Jan. 12, 2010 5 p.m.
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World Concern has worked in Haiti for 31 years, serving the poorest through both disasters and long-term development. Our staff of 100+ will walk with the victims as long as it takes—supplying their immediate needs, then equipping them with tools to earn an income again and live better lives.
Facts courtesy of the CIA World Factbook
