On January 12, 2010, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 struck the Caribbean nation of Haiti-just 10 miles west of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Thousands of buildings and homes were destroyed. Millions of people were affected and more than 1 million people were left displaced or homeles.
Habitat's response in Haiti
Habitat is implementing immediate relief efforts and addressing long-term shelter solutions for low-income families.
Based on current information and past experience with international disasters, Habitat is planning a multi-phrase strategy of response:
Phase one: relief
Emergency shelter kits
Emergency shelter kits are designed to help families make immediate repairs and construct emergency shelter. They will be distributed to families by Habitat employees and partners.
Re-establish operations
Habitat has been operating in Haiti for over 26 years, but the Habitat Haiti office building was destroyed in the earthquake. As part of our immediate response, it will be vital to assist Habitat Haiti in restoring its capacity to fully participate in the recovery efforts.
Phase two: rehabilitation
Rehabilitation and cleanup
We will assist with the removal of debris and salvaging of materials that can be recycled into new shelter. We will also assist in the rehabilitation of homes that have repairable damages.
Phase two: rehabilitation
Rehabilitation and cleanup
We will assist with the removal of debris and salvaging of materials that can be recycled into new shelter. We will also assist in the rehabilitation of homes that have repairable damages.
Phase three: reconstruction
Transitional shelters and core houses
We plan to replace destroyed homes with transitional shelters. Improvements and additions to transitional shelters can be made over time•turning them into permanent core houses.
We will also rebuild in ways that reduce risk and improve construction quality in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas.
Phase four: recovery
Habitat Resource Centers
These centers are designed to enhance local systems that support housing development and improvements. Through the centers, we identify gaps in the local supply of housing materials, designs, finance and skills and provide services that support local livelihoods.
Learn more about Habitat's response in Haiti
Download a .pdf with more details about Habitat's commitment to Haiti recovery (1MB .pdf)
Read our press release, Addressing housing needs in Haiti after major earthquake.
Habitat works in partnership
Through all aspects of our work, we will cultivate partnerships with local residents and other humanitarian organizations that can multiply the effectiveness of our response in Haiti.
Read about our partnership with the Ricky Martin Foundation and his Habitat for Humanity Haiti Recovery Fund.
Learn about our support from Hope Help & Relief Haiti, a foundation created by New York business, fashion and music icons.
How you can help
Donate to support Habitat's efforts to rebuild in Haiti.
Help raise awareness and funds by inserting banner ads into your blogs or personal Web sites. To download a banner, visit Earthquake Recovery-Web banners.
Text "Habitat" to 25383 to make a $10 donation to Habitat's efforts in Haiti. The donation amount will be added to your phone bill.*
Create a donation page, and invite your friends, family and colleagues to help you reach $2,500, which is the amount it takes to help Habitat establish a permanent home for a Haitian family.
Learn about more ways to help at How you can help Haiti.
*A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Messaging and data rates may apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers.
Donations are collected for the benefit of Habitat for Humanity International by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at http://mobilegiving.org/?page_id=18. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP to short code "25383." Reply HELP to "25383" for help.
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