ShelterBox and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have been working together in Haiti since the 2010 earthquake to help return displaced families to their communities, successfully closing down 28 camps.
In the aftermath of the quake that severely damaged the already impoverished Haiti, ShelterBox was quick to respond and help thousands of affected people. Through its partnership with IOM, the disaster relief charity helped affected families by distributing ShelterBoxes which include tents, water filters, kitchen sets and other lifesaving equipment.
‘Back then, ShelterBox aid was widely being used to encourage families to return home, particularly at a time when eviction threats were plummeting and when there were no real sustainable solutions in place,’ said Emmanuel Gay, IOM Camp Management Operations Unit (CMO) Project Manager. ‘This form of return support was then used as a temporary solution.
‘Beneficiaries would be given a ShelterBox provided they had an appropriate space to set it up on, be it with a family member, friend or on other available land. ‘
Thanks to donors worldwide, three years after the earthquake, ShelterBox and IOM have helped facilitate the return of over 2,200 families, bringing them hope and a future.
Still a need for shelter
Sadly there still is a need for shelter in Haiti.
‘Now the best use of ShelterBox aid here is to mainly replace damaged tents through wear and tear particularly in camps that have not yet been targeted for return or relocation,’ added Emmanuel. ‘The aid is also widely used in emergency responses whether triggered by heavy rain or tropical storm as seen with Tropical Storm Sandy.’
The Haitian Government is implementing the 16/6 project, an initiative initially aimed at relocating six camps to 16 neighbourhoods through distribution of cash grants and rental subsidies. Hopefully over time all people made homeless by the earthquake will have a permanent home to move to. However, until permanent shelter needs are met, ShelterBox will continue to work in collaboration with IOM to help Haitian families in need.