Haiti Hurricane Matthew Rebuilding Homes & Lives

First, thanks to so many generous supporters, we’ve surpassed the initial goal to find sponsors for the 100 hardest-hit families and we are close to meeting our next goal to help an additional 80 families. You can see our current total here: www.HurricaneMatthewHaiti.org

Second, home construction and repair is underway and has been completed for all 80 families in the first group, and continues for families in the second group. We are looking for ways to accelerate the reconstruction and repairs, although conditions on the ground make it a slow and challenging effort.

Third, each family in both groups have been provided with and are now using water purifiers in their homes. None of the families were using treated water before with any regularity. Also, each family has been provided with a latrine. These two hygiene-related achievements provide huge health benefits to both the families and the community, reducing the risk of transmission of waterborne diseases like cholera.

Fourth, each family participates with other members in their community in a savings plan. Each family puts in a small amount each week. They are able to borrow up to three times what they put in and pay it back over three months allowing them to make larger purchases and capital investments than they would otherwise be able to and at better prices. The fund is completely managed by the participants themselves and each is invested in the others' success.

Fifth, all 80 families in the first group have received an income-generating asset (either livestock or goods to start a small business) and meet weekly with caseworkers for training on how to best manage their asset.

And finally, we've completed the collection of detailed, baseline information on each family in the first and second groups so that we can measure their progress throughout the full 18 months that family sponsors will be accompanying them. (Family sponsors committed to a $100/month gift for 18 months or made a one-time gift of $1800.) 

At the end of the 18 months each family will have:

• decent housing,
• clean water and sanitation,
• access to regular healthcare,
• the means to build at least two or three forms of income from livestock or commerce,
• the ability to keep all their school-aged children in school, and,
• the capacity to keep all of their children at home and to avoid sending any child away to live in domestic servitude.

Links:

• Visit our main Hurricane Matthew Response website.