After the Quake: Haiti Four Years Later
The earthquake that ripped through Haiti on January 12, 2010, was one of the top five deadliest disasters in history, claiming more than 250,000 lives.
Nearly four years after the earthquake, while media attention on Haiti has significantly diminished, The Salvation Army continues to identify the most vulnerable people and help them move forward with hope for the future.
Jean-Charles’ Story
“It was a sunny day. I was at home when, late in the afternoon, the ground under my feet suddenly started to shake,” says 29-year-old Jean-Charles. “I thought it was the end of the world. In seconds, the wall of my house tumbled down and clouds of dust filled the air.”
Jean-Charles, his wife and three-year-old son took refuge under a kitchen table. While they lost every material possession they owned, they emerged from the debris relatively unscathed. Friends and neighbours weren’t as fortunate.
“Many people we knew lost arms and legs from being pinned under the rubble,” says Jean-Charles. “Others didn’t survive and some friends were never found.”
In the months and years following the disaster Jean-Charles was often afraid. He took refuge with family but didn’t know how to start over again.
Then he met The Salvation Army. Through funds donated to The Salvation Army by Canadians, specifically for Haiti’s disaster relief, he is living a better life. As one of 560 benefactors of The Salvation Army’s vocational training program he received his certificate in mechanical auto repair, which is recognized by the state and increases his chance of gaining long-term employment.
From brake-system and body repair to diagnosing and repairing complicated car electrical systems, Jean- Charles looks forward to each day.
“The Salvation Army makes me feel like I really matter,” says Jean-Charles. “The training I received restored my self-confidence and I am able to provide for my family. For that, I am forever grateful.”
How The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory Supports Haiti
In March 2012 The Salvation Army expanded its services in Haiti. A five-year, $3.6 million Integrated Family Support Project (IFSP) was launched and funded entirely by The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory.
The IFSP has four components:
- Housing: The building process began in November 2012 and 260 houses will be built.
- Vocational training: One thousand vulnerable young adults with no family support will receive hands-on career training.
- Livelihood support: Loans will be given to 1,500 households so they can start businesses. Priority will be given to families headed by women with no husband to provide support.
- Agricultural support: Farmers are educated in ways to improve the quality of their products and lower costs of production. Loans are provided to improve agricultural efficiency and income.
