HC Progress Report 2010


| MESSAGE FROM THE HUMANITARIAN COALITION | HAITI EARTHQUAKE | ASIA-PACIFIC DISASTER |
| EAST AFRICA DROUGHT  |  UPDATES FROM THE COMMUNITY |

 


HAITI EARTHQUAKE


The January earthquake that shook Haiti happened as the sun was about to set that day. Thousands were trapped under rubble, while others cried in anguish at the destruction all around them. Incredibly, in the midst of their shock and suffering, amazing things were happening. Spontaneous support was being offered to neighbours and strangers alike. Rescue efforts began immediately, and staff from the four organizations that make up the HUMANITARIAN COALITION began their long and dedicated work of helping the Haitian people to heal.


In the first few months of the response, the HUMANITARIAN COALITION members worked with women to ensure they advised us about where their separate showers and toilets should be located in the large camps, now housing most of Port-au-Prince’s population. Specific health kits have been distributed to pregnant women as well as kits for newborns. Many children arrived in camps unaccompanied and have received special care. Clean water and sanitation facilities were set up and are now servicing the many cooking, cleaning and washing-up needs of the camps. In total, the members of the HUMANITARIAN COALITION have reached more than one million Haitians.


With the number of staff for the four member organizations now reaching more than 2000, plans are ramping up to increase our reach and to make sure we have enough people on staff to make our plans a reality as we help rebuild Haiti. Ongoing work will include setting up and outfitting schools that will not only help children to get back to being kids, but will also give parents more time to focus on work. More than half of the children in Haiti did not attend school before the earthquake; these new schools will be a critical way for all children to receive an education. We are working to support small-business owners to rebuild their businesses and to offer vocational training for others wanting to start a business.


As the long road of rebuilding a nation stretches in front of us, we are grateful to you, our donors, for the solidarity you showed the Haitian people in their hours of need. The members of the HUMANITARIAN COALITION are committed to working alongside Haitians to ensure that the rebuilt Haiti is one that offers opportunity and pride for all.

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