In October 2016, Category 4 Hurricane Matthew crossed through the Caribbean violently striking the southwest region of Haiti causing widespread damage, flooding and displacement. The storm leveled homes to their foundation and the corrugated metal roofs of those still standing were ripped off.
Habitat for Humanity Haiti immediately launched into action developing an initial disaster response program and providing shelter recovery kits to affected families. Following the initial response, Habitat Haiti began assisting families and communities to rebuild.
Two years later, Habitat Haiti has built over 300 news homes, repaired over 1,500 homes, sensitized over 5,000 households on safe construction, and trained over 600 new builders in the departments of Les Nippes and Grand’Anse.
These homes are built back stronger using basic disaster-resistant construction techniques, including the installation of hurricane clips and strengthening of the walls, to help them withstand future storms. Through this work, families, including Micheline and her husband (pictured below) have a safe place to call home.
This work has been in collaboration and partnership with a wide range of like-minded institutions and donors, including ECHO, AARP, Aktion Deutschland Hilft, CESVI, IOM, Islamic Relief, MercyCorps, Oxfam, Koral, United Nations (CERF) and Habitat for Humanity affiliates.
Micheline is a mother of two boys, ages 4 and 7. She and her husband are farmers. They grow cassava and watch over livestock. They also make charcoal which her husband sells in the market. Earlier this year, the family received the keys to their new home. Her children now have a safe place to study and play. Slowly but surely, Micheline and her family are rebuilding their lives.
New homeowner, Altide, stands on the front porch of her Habitat home.
One of over 300 new homes built through Habitat Haiti’s Hurricane Matthew recovery efforts