Haiti

2021 Haiti Earthquake Response Appeal

The Canadian Red Cross is delivering assistance and support to communities affected by the earthquake in Haiti on August 14, 2021.

Click here to donate to the 2021 Haiti Earthquake Response Appeal


Resilient and empowered communities, built by and for Haitians

From the 2010 earthquake to today  

Now that the health centre is open, Mr. Dieubon’s mother can receive care in Marbial without having to travel to the Saint-Michel Hospital.

When Haiti was hit by a deadly earthquake on January 12, 2010, the Canadian Red Cross was already on the ground. We immediately broadened our scope of intervention to help the Haitian Red Cross gain greater autonomy in their efforts to support the population and respond to disasters.

Over the following years, Haiti  has faced new challenges, like a cholera epidemic and Hurricanes Sandy, Matthew and Irma. The destruction and physical trauma brought on by these disasters have had a lasting mental health impact on the people affected. Rebuilding lives and communities also means reducing violence against women and children and ensuring that the Haitian Red Cross can better respond to future disasters. 

That’s why the Canadian Red Cross has been working alongside communities and the Haitian Red Cross to develop programs that best meet their needs. Every day, we are working together to support empowered and resilient communities.

Your donation in action

Thanks to the generosity of Canadians we continue to support Haitians as they rebuild their lives.

 
Shelter: over 20,000 families housed
  • Safe shelter and housing solutions were provided to over 20,000 families by building new houses, supplying rental assistance and arranging for families to return to the areas where they were living prior to the earthquake.
  • 2,125 displaced families received cash grants to cover rent for a year or to resettle in the province of their choice.
  • 7,500 homes were built in the Jacmel and Leogane areas.
  • Over 3,000 Haitian workers were hired and trained to build houses.
  • Communities were present and actively involved every step of the way, from the initial phase of identifying vulnerable people, through the construction phase, and lastly, to handing over the keys.
Learn more about our shelter program.
Health: essential and accessible health care and first aid in communities
  • Emergency healthcare was provided after the earthquake and Hurricane Matthew.
  • Together with the Haitian Ministry of Public Health and Population, programs have been put in place to strengthen the health system, including an integrated health program in the Southeast department, and continued support and education in epidemic control in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. The only departmental hospital in the Southeast was reconstructed.
  • Continued training and support was provided to healthcare staff. 139 medical and auxiliary staff were trained and supported in the use of improved equipment, equipment and hospital maintenance as well as management.
  • Access to healthcare has been improved through the construction of community health centres in rural and remote areas
  • Governance and health surveillance structures were supported in improved in the South East and Grand’Anse departments
  • Over 700 volunteers and supervisors were trained in community-based health, first aid and prevention.
  • Each month, 10,000 households were educated on family planning, hygiene, sanitation, first aid and prevention.
Learn more about our health programs.
Violence prevention: empowerment through respect
  • More than 420,000 people were reached through community activities, partnerships with local organizations and training targeting mainly youth and women.
  • Support was provided to Fanm Deside (Committed Women) to promote the rights of women and girls in three communes.
  • The Haïti en Scène project offered forums, sports, and dance, theatre and music workshops for children and teenagers living in displaced persons camps.
  • Support and capacity building in violence prevention was provided to 125 teachers in 43 schools.
  • Protection and health facilities were mapped around Cité Soleil
  • A basketball court was built in Cité soleil to be a meeting point for youth and encourage community building through sport
  • Solar lights were installed in Villambetta and Radio Commerce sites, were people displaced by the earthquake have taken up long-term residence
  • 440 people in vulnerable communities were trained on child protection and how to prevent SGBV
Learn more about our violence prevention program.
Capacity building: a stronger society and Red Cross
  • The Haitian Red Cross has greatly improved its disaster preparedness since the 2010 earthquake, which was demonstrated during the responses to Hurricanes Matthew and Irma, and through assessments.
  • Over 12,000 schoolchildren and members of 9 vulnerable communities were trained and given adapted tools for disaster preparedness and reducing risks. 
  • 230 Haitian Red Cross staff and volunteers were trained in disaster management, and 60 volunteers received training on search and rescue techniques.
Learn more about our capacity building program and our support for the Haitian Red Cross.
 
 
Donor reports

Stories

View all donor reports detailing the Red Cross response in Haiti.