THREE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE U.S. GOVERNMENT’S WORK IN HAITI

submitted by Jayanthi Narain

Lighting Up Camps: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is funding an initial 75 solar lights for spontaneous settlements. USAID is working with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNFPA to evaluate lighting needs in settlements and install lights where they’re needed. These solar lights will make Haiti’s displaced persons safer through a reliable and plentifully available source of energy.

Returning Homes to Habitability: As a model for future reconstruction efforts, USAID partner Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) is repairing houses damaged in the earthquake. PADF is producing a guide on training, cost analysis, and future house repairs based on this project for the Government of Haiti, and it will train builders and masons. Lessons learned from this project will be turned into post‐earthquake House Repair Guidelines specifically tailored to the Haitian context.

Reinforcing Houses: USAID has been working hand‐in‐hand with the United Nations Shelter Cluster to ensure that Haitians are prepared for the rainy season. Public outreach materials include posters in Haitian Creole such as this guide to reinforcing emergency housing.

For more information, email: usaidpressofficers@usaid.gov.