On the plane over from Costa Rica to the Dominican Republic in prep for our trip, I took a deep breath and a break from team logistics to read up more on Habitat Haiti facts. In a few minutes we have a little interview here in the DR. Which makes me realize that the need in Haiti is not entirely old news to the outside world. Encouraging.
There are many things about our upcoming trip that are not considered a typical Habitat experience. But then again, what’s “typical” about any Habitat experience? Housing issues are complicated. Cultures are tremendously diverse. So is need. Solutions depend on the context of each country, community, family. Habitat tries to meet these challenges, and every experience becomes a new adventure.
In Haiti, for example, our team may not be working with families in the same way that I have on other projects. There is a good reason for this. It’s the same reason why, more than a year after the earthquake, we are the first team of international volunteers to help rebuild.
Habitat’s work in Haiti is holistic – responding to a tremendously holistic level of need. Every facet of Haiti is hurting. Not just homes and infrastructure are lacking, but economic stimulation, jobs, training and resources. More than 70 percent of the country lives below the poverty line – less than $2 a day. The majority of the people affected by the 2010 earthquake pertain to this group.
This reality, coupled with the tremendous lack of shelter after the 2010 earthquake and the added risk of hurricanes, tropical storms and cholera outbreaks, made it necessary for Habitat to break from its traditional model, offering certain housing solutions at no cost to families.
The long term goal is to provide permanent houses, with Habitat’s traditional model of a revolving fund that families pay into, allowing more houses to be built.
Meanwhile, Habitat Haiti needs donations in order to continue.
I don’t mind that Habitat makes exceptions in a country where most people make less in a day then what I spend on breakfast.
I don’t mind reaching into my pocket so that they can. I don’t mind telling the story over and over again so that others will be inspired to do the same.
In a country with a 60 percent unemployment rate, jobs are also a vital part of long-term recovery. Since the earthquake, more than 700 Haitians have found job opportunities through Habitat programs. Haitian communities have taken an active role in determining their particular needs and developing culturally appropriate solutions. Despite support provided from Habitat’s international offices after the earthquake, 74 percent of Habitat Haiti staff is local.
As Habitat programs continue to focus on providing employment, cash for work and other opportunities for local Haitians, international volunteers have an important role to play. We won't disrupt the ability for Haitians to participate in this process – we will, however, be willing to take on the humblest tasks that will help to speed it along. But, more importantly, when we return, we’ll return more educated, and more empowered to keep funds flowing to these programs.
Help our team reach our fundraising goal (by helping me reach mine) at http://wearehabitat.org/people/stephanie-banas/send-vital-funds-haiti-lo...
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