Habitat for Humanity: Haiti Earthquake Response

Habitat for Humanity International and our partners would like to thank you for the support you have sent to the Haitian people who were impacted by the powerful magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck Haiti’s southwestern peninsula on August 14, 2021.

For those whose homes were destroyed, Habitat was ready to respond. In coordination with government and humanitarian agencies, we have continued to provide emergency assistance and recovery support for the most vulnerable families.We are pleased to share an update on our response and share stories of the lives you have helped impact. Thank you again for your support.

SHELTER HIGHLIGHT
Habitat initially distributed hygiene kits containing soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, masks, towels, and other items. This was followed by several distributions of shelter kits, amounting to 2,787 total in collaboration with Start Fund and ShelterBox. Families also received technical support and training in how to best use the kits, which contained tarps, tools and fixings, thermal blankets, solar lights, kitchen sets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets and water carriers. Habitat collaborated with the government and local communities to identify families and lead distributions. In all, Habitat supported more than 13,935 people in the scope of the emergency response to help Haitians households affected by the devastating earthquake.

IMPACT STORY
Josette is the sole caretaker for her husband, Sidéron, and her mother, Janise. Both individuals live with disabilities that leave them dependent on her for even the most basic needs. When the earthquake struck on August 14, the family initially experienced a moment of terror. “On the day of the earthquake, my mother and I were outside, but my husband was lying in bed and rocks fell on top of him.” Thankfully, help was nearby, and the family all survived. “We’re lucky my son who lives in Les Cayes wasn’t far away and was able to come help us and pull him out. If not, he may have died. His bed was destroyed in the end,” Josette told us.

Through Habitat’s partnership with ShelterBox, Josette and her family received a shelter kit, which contained essential items, including tarps, tools and fixings, thermal blankets, solar lights, kitchen sets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets and water carriers. “When I was chosen to receive the kit, it helped me a lot. Everything in the kit was useful to me, the kitchen items, the lamp, and the tarpaulin! There’s some rot in that part of the ceiling. I was able to tie some tarp underneath it to catch the water and keep the inside dry.” She also used the jug to keep the rainwater that they’ve collected and additional tarp to help section off parts of the house into separate rooms.The solar lamp has been especially useful to them at night, as she uses it inside their house in the evenings to be able to get around.With the lack of electricity in the region, the alternative prior to this was to constantly purchase batteries to power a small lamp.

Josette also received a cash distribution of $150, which she used to buy medicine for her husband who had fallen ill and purchase sheep. Livestock is essential for families in the region who rely on these animals for food and income. She jokes that the livestock is a souvenir from Habitat. She prays every day that Habitat and Shelterbox will be able to help even more people as they have helped her. As the only caretaker for her husband and mother, Josette tells us that this kit and the cash that came with it were a godsend.

Links:

• Habitat Haiti Pathways to Permanence Approach