Relief Efforts in Haiti
In 1954, CARE opened an office in Haiti to provide emergency assistance to the population affected by the passage of Hurricane Hazel. CARE Haiti is one of the main non-governmental organizations engaged in the implementation of development programs while upholding its humanitarian mandate.
More than 70 years of experience in the area have taught us that to eradicate poverty. We must tackle its root causes and adopt a rights-based approach. CARE understands that community members are themselves a key element in solving the problems they face, particularly women and children.
Following the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010, CARE extended its support to people in the affected areas of Léogâne and Port-au-Prince, providing access to safe water and sanitation, decent housing and improving skills in building sturdier structures.
Since the cholera outbreak in October 2010, CARE has been particularly active in rural areas of the country to spread prevention messages, improve safe water supplies, and support medical facilities with essential materials.
In August 2021, Haiti was once again hit by a devastating earthquake that damaged thousands of homes, disrupted ongoing humanitarian efforts, and strained an already limited health system.
Currently, Haiti is facing a humanitarian crisis due to mass deportations from the Dominican Republic and the ongoing internal displacement of people fleeing gang violence. These phenomena have exacerbated an already precarious situation, where women and children are particularly at-risk. In response, CARE Haiti remains committed to addressing the needs of displaced and deported people, focusing on food distribution, water, and sanitation, and the safety and empowerment of women and girls. We have extended our presence in the areas to manage the influx of displaced people, but the increasing number of people in need requires a continuous reassessment of needs.