Road to recovery after Haiti earthquake

Homes are being rebuilt

‘When the earthquake happened I was doing dishes outside of the house, but my baby was inside,’ Rosamene shares with us.

‘I was scared and rushed in the house to go and get her.

‘During the first tremor, I called to my other children to come to me as I saw the walls starting to fall, and as I heard people screaming in the yard.

‘I lost my bed, my table and my cupboard were destroyed. The walls had fallen and the ground was cracked.

‘With the cash that I received from Tearfund I bought concrete blocks, sand, cement and paint.

‘Everyone is back in the house; there are 13 people living here. I am fully satisfied and happy for this help from Tearfund.

‘I thank everyone who contributed. A big thank you to Tearfund, without this help I would still be sleeping in a tent. It has been raining a lot lately and many families are still without proper roofs, but thank God we have somewhere dry to stay.’

New businesses are being set up

‘When the earthquake happened I was outside the kitchen; my child was inside,’ shares Estha.

‘When I felt the first vibration, I ran inside and I promised to save my baby… While I was trying to escape with him, once we got outside, the wall fell and hit me from behind.

‘I felt on my knees, but the baby was safe.

Estha received a cash grant, enabling her to rebuild and invest in her future.

‘The contribution of Tearfund changed my life,’ says Estha. ‘It allowed me to repair my home. I want to say thank you to Tearfund for this help… I know what it is like to sleep in a tent with a one-year-old baby. Thanks to God I have this money to start up a small business. Now, I am now selling phone charging units to take care of my children.’

More earthquakes

‘The same area has been hit with several smaller earthquakes in the past few months, which is leading to further trauma among these communities,’ explains Marc.

‘Just a few weeks ago, an earthquake here damaged another 35 homes and several roads in the area. It also led to several people sadly losing their lives.

‘These earthquakes are indicators that a more serious earthquake could be looming.

‘Tearfund continues to work with local churches and communities to make sure we’re prepared if this does happen, as well as looking at how we can serve people in the long-term in regards to helping people with their mental wellbeing.’

Making it possible to respond

‘We thank those who have been praying for us,’ says Christon. ‘As well as people who generously gave to make it possible to respond to help so many people rebuild from the earthquakes.’

‘We want to thank you for making it possible for us to touch and change the lives of the 100 families, who have rebuilt their homes and who are no longer living in tents,’ adds Bethanie Saint Louis, from our Haiti Team.

‘We thank you for your continued support and generosity. We are hoping as we walk together that we can see more changes and more impact in the lives of the most vulnerable people in Haiti. Please keep us in your prayers.’