Habitat's Response to Haiti

Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) has developed a multi-year, four-phase plan for its recovery efforts in Haiti, with a goal of helping 50,000 families rebuild their lives after the 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated the country on January 12. 

Pastor Rendell Day, a chaplain for HFHI, recently returned from a visit to Haiti, and was impressed by the "resiliency of the Haitians.  They were trying their best to get their lives back to some sense of normalcy."  Habitat's response includes an appeal to affiliates in the U.S. asking them to meet the challenge of donating $650 for every house constructed by the affiliate in 2009, 10% of a ReStore's February gross revenues, or $2,000.  Habitat for Humanity-Greater Columbus has made a contribution of $8,450 to these efforts; $650 for each of the 13 houses built in Columbus in 2009.

"We here at Greater Columbus have been richly blessed over these past several years, and it just seems right to provide assistance--over and above what we've committed this year for tithe to Cote d'Ivoire--as a way to show our support for the rebuilding efforts in Haiti," says E.J. Thomas, CEO of Habitat for Humanity-Greater Columbus.  "We are very pleased to lend our hand to the effort."

Phase One is already underway as HFHI prepares to deliver 10,000 emergency shelter kits to families in Port-au-Prince.  These kits contain tools for immediate basic repairs on homes only minimally harmed or to construct a temporary shelter.  Phase Two will focus on the continued clean-up of the area, with Habitat's disaster response team helping citizens salvage materials that can be recycled and continuing to make repairs to minimally or moderately damaged homes.  Phase Three begins the construction of core houses, which are designed according to international building standards to provide adequate space and separate sanitation facilities.  These core houses are resistant to earthquakes and hurricanes, and are designed to allow for easy expansion over time.  And finally, in Phase Four, Habitat will increase the number of resource centers available to Haitians.  These centers will provide construction training, tool loans, courses in financial literacy, and other services to ensure the long-term development of the island nation.

Habitat for Humanity International has been present in Haiti for 26 years, and will continue to be present until every Haitian has a simple, decent, affordable place to live.  "The dedication of the Habitat Haiti staff and the HFHI staff serving in Haiti is unbelievable," remarked Pastor Day.  "The local staff is still coming to work even though they have been personally affected by the earthquake.  Their faith is inspiring." 

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