Haiti
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The Catholic Cathedral in Port-au-Prince, after the earthquake.
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Haiti: Caritas food distribution arrives at an encampment of earthquake victims near the Cathedral.
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We built latrines in camps to help prevent the spread of disease.
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Working with local partners, we have constructed hurricane and earthquake-resistant houses
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New farming techniques in Haiti reduce the risk of damage from landslides caused by hurricanes.
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The earthquake that hit Haiti in January 2010 killed nearly a quarter of a million and left more than a million homeless.
Thanks to your amazing generosity, we were able to respond quickly. Immediately after the quake, we provided tents, shelters and emergency supplies for thousands of people who had lost their homes. As people moved into camps, we built shower blocks and latrines and ensured that there were supplies of safe water.
Today we are working with our Catholic partners to help rebuild homes and communities. Our current projects include:
- Building permanent, hurricane and earthquake-resistant homes, training local engineers to lead the construction process
- Helping people prepare for and manage future disasters, for example through education about hurricanes in schools or by training people in new farming techniques that reduce the risk of damage from landslides
- Preventing the spread of disease. We are supporting cholera treatment centres, providing safe water and sanitation, and running hygiene awareness training
Even before the 2010 earthquake, Haiti was the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Over the past decade, it has been hit by no less than 20 large-scale natural disasters. The 2010 earthquake exposed just how vulnerable it had become.
We have worked in Haiti since 1970. During that time, we have supported a wide range of development projects involving literacy, agriculture, women’s organisations and legal aid – and we have responded to emergencies.
