Stories from the field
Louis Moličre: Thank you to the Canadian Red Cross
After losing his home in the January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Louis Moličre and his family were left without a roof over their heads. In response to his need for proper shelter, the Canadian Red Cross built Louis a new home in the community of Bas Binot, Leogane. "I was in desperate need of shelter," wrote Louis in a letter addressed to the Canadian Red Cross. "It is with great pleasure that I take my pen and write a couple of lines to congratulate and thank you."
For families in Haiti unable to return to their destroyed homes, shelter remains a priority. The Canadian Red Cross shelter program aims to ensure that the vulnerable and homeless families are identified and provided with safe housing.
The program is stimulating the local economy by providing jobs for skilled local labourers. Families can customize their shelter, using paint that is provided by the Canadian Red Cross, or by building a veranda, extension, or dividing the inside. Louis, a professional painter who lives with his wife, brother and four young children, has been giving back to his community helping other shelter recipients paint their new homes.
The Canadian Red Cross aims to provide 7, 500 families like Louis’ in Jacmel and Leogane with new shelters. To date, over 3,600 wooden shelters have been built. "Honestly, before I didn’t know what I was going to do, but with the Canadian Red Cross I am happy, it’s a new life," Louis added. "Thank you with all my heart."
