Priorities: Shelter, Child Protection, Medical Care

In the midst of great suffering and trauma, Food for the Hungry (FH) is walking with the people of Haiti to facilitate recovery from the devastation of the January 12 earthquake. FH-Haiti staff are showing great courage in service, even as they recover from unimaginable loss of family, friends, homes and other personal possessions.

The communities of focus for FH's relief work are: Bellevue La Montagne, Siloe, Kenscoff and Aux Cadets. There are more than 50,000 displaced people in these communities, and more than 120,000 people are affected.

FH's current response is focused on:

Creation of "child-friendly spaces" in target communities to serve at-risk children. These spaces are designed to provide safe, structured areas for play, learning and trauma therapy. Work is taking place in 31 sites with two "child-friendly spaces" per site. Learn more about "Child-Friendly Spaces."

Distribution of tarps and ropes for temporary housing to withstand the rainy season. Many Haitians are living under tents made of bed sheets which will not give protection from rain.

"Cash-for-Work" programs to facilitate rebuilding and support the local economy. The primary work is rubble removal.

FH’s response in the weeks following the earthquake

Outreach by mobile medical teams and re-establishment of fixed neighborhood clinics in temporary buildings.

Care for orphaned and separated children through establishment of a registration and referral system.

Training pastors and church leaders in holistic Biblical worldview, child protection, gender-based violence prevention, psychosocial care, disaster preparedness and community organization.

Provision of grief counseling services to help communities cope with trauma.

The recovery program led by Food for the Hungry is designed to support the desire of affected families to stay in their home communities, re-establish routine and lay a foundation for further recovery. This approach will serve as an alternative to the large temporary camps being constructed for displaced people which meet immediate needs but cannot address long-term recovery.

How You Can Help
Without immediate relief, more will die. Food for the Hungry staff are on the ground and need your help to mount the huge relief effort required for this disaster.

Your gift of any size now will provide shelter, water, medicine and other life-saving help.

Whatever you can do, please take action now. There is no time to delay. We’re moving ahead in faith you’ll respond.