Haiti: Two Years Later

It was a day many of us remember with horror: January 12, 2010. A catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated the island nation of Haiti, creating a humanitarian crisis. The earthquake stole lives, crumbled buildings, displaced thousands and left many without food, water or shelter. With shock and awe, many of us watched the news as it reported the heartbreak, hard facts and miracles that took place as people searched the rubble for loved ones and grappled with the human and economic costs of the destruction.

More importantly, Presbyterians responded with immense generosity as Haiti embarked on the long road to recovery. Presbyterians donated over $1.6 million to a PWS&D appeal that has since assisted thousands. Despite criticism of international relief efforts in Haiti, it is clear that two years later, much has been accomplished, though there is still much to be done.

PWS&D began work in the country alongside local Haitian partners through Canadian Foodgrains Bank and the ACT Alliance. Initial relief efforts focused on delivering emergency assistance to those in desperate need of clean water, shelter, hospital care and the provision of essential services.

In the past two years, the ACT Alliance appeal has reached over 600,000 people, integrating emergency relief efforts into long-term recovery and development projects aimed at overcoming the most significant challenges facing Haitians. The key challenges to recovery remain in providing shelter, ensuring access to clean water and education, and creating sustainable livelihood and income opportunities.

Despite ongoing efforts by international organizations to provide permanent housing, over 500,000 people continue to live in makeshift tents and temporary shelters. PWS&D continues to work with Haitians to build new homes that are better equipped to withstand the earthquakes and hurricanes that frequent the region. Housing projects have already provided hundreds of families with permanent and transitional homes, with more currently under construction.

Additionally, PWS&D, in partnership with Canadian Foodgrains Bank, is working with local farmers to improve access to food and increase rates of nutrition. Livelihood programs have provided over 1,600 farmers with tools, seeds, livestock and agricultural training.

Long Road Ahead

“The need is great and the task is nearly insurmountable, but it has begun,” states Rev. Derek MacLeod after returning from a recent trip to Haiti.

Although it is evident that many challenges remain, two years later Haiti is filled with hope as families move in to new homes, children return to school and the process of rebuilding is underway. Thanks to the generosity of Presbyterians and the determination of Haitians, Haiti is on the road to recovery.

Please continue to support recovery efforts in Haiti by making a donation to PWS&D through your church, mail a cheque to the office, donate online or call PWS&D at 1-800-619-7301 ext. 291. Please mark all donations “Haiti.”

For photos from our Haiti: Two Years later gallery, click here.

Presbyterian World Service & Development is the development and relief agency of The Presbyterian Church in Canada. Visit the PWS&D Facebook page.