Stories from the field

A new home, a new skill - a bright future

Pierre Geovang’s story is one of hope and resilience, but it began, like so many in Haiti this past year, with tragedy.

In January, 2010 Pierre was renting a house with his wife. Like most renters in Haiti, Pierre had paid his rent for the entire year. When the earthquake struck, his house was severely damaged. With no money to rent another house, Pierre and his wife began living in a tent. At 28-years-old, and both deaf and mute, his future seemed bleak.

In August 2010, the Red Cross began building durable wooden shelters in Haiti and Pierre was one of many community members hired and trained to do this important work. Although new to carpentry, he excelled at this trade and soon became a team leader.

Pierre now lives in a Red Cross house that he helped build and he is not alone. Around 1,800 people in his community are also living in Red Cross shelters, and the Red Cross has so far provided over 30,000 people with improved shelter country-wide. This important program is gaining momentum, helping families in Haiti take back the lives that were changed so dramatically a year ago.

With his new carpentry skills, Pierre has opened his own furniture business. Thanks to the Red Cross shelter program in Haiti, Pierre now has a trade that will help him for the rest of his life, a safe, earthquake-resistant home, and a bright future full of hope.