Haitian man benefits from Red Cross assistance

Topics: Worldwide, Our Impact on the Ground
January 22, 2013

Haitian man benefits from Red Cross assistance

The Canadian Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian network and plays an important role in helping improve the lives of those in need. The variety of programs that the Canadian Red Cross offers deliver life-saving aid.

In Haiti, where more than 1.5 million people were left homeless as a result of the earthquake that occurred in 2010, the Canadian Red Cross has provided an integral layer of support.

While the Canadian Red Cross has benefited many Haitians, for one man who was displaced as a result of the incident, the Canadian Red Cross' impact on the ground has made a major difference.

Roblin's story
Roblin Emilio is a single father of four children. He lost his wife three months after the earthquake occurred as a result of injuries that she sustained when their home collapsed during the incident.

A month after her death, Roblin suffered a stroke that left him partially immobilized on his right side. Since then, it has been difficult for Roblin to find work and adequate shelter for himself and his children.

The family settled in Camp Dadadou in Port-au-Prince, which is one of the camp sites for internally displaced Haitians that has not benefited from support.

"They actually came back when they said they would."
Before the earthquake occurred, Dadadou was an area where people gathered to play basketball and tennis, but since the incident, tents and makeshift houses fill the space, which has become the home of 150 families.

The Red Cross Movement, in partnership with the Haitian Red Cross, has worked to overcome housing issues with a camp decongestion project, which strives to place individuals in rentals or with host families. The Canadian Red Cross is contributing to this project by providing 2,089 families with cash grants for rent.

For Roblin, the Red Cross' involvement has made a tremendous impact.

"This is the first time that an organization has come here to do anything for us. For months after the earthquake organizations would come and look around and say that they would be back but they never came back," he said. "I think that the Red Cross is doing great work. They actually came back when they said they would."

How you can help
The Canadian Red Cross responds to emergencies and disasters wherever they strike with assistance for those in need.

In Haiti, the Canadian Red Cross' support of services like the decongestion program will help people just like Roblin leave camps and resettle in safer housing, including rentals.

With the help of generous Canadians just like you, the Canadian Red Cross can continue to offer aid to those affected by adversity. To make a difference today, please donate online or at your local Canadian Red Cross office.

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