Help build homes for vulnerable families

Vulnerable Families Relief Project
Support those in greatest need,
especially in this time of increased vulnerability.

The situation: In the rural zones of Torbeck, Chantal, and Les Angles outside of Les Cayes (Southern Haiti), there are families living in below sub-par conditions since Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Their homes are made of sheets of metal and grass tied together. One house has 13 people living in it. Families have had no means of improving their living conditions as most are either fishermen or charcoal makers, and the sea is largely overfished, a big ecological issue in Haiti, and the government has now outlawed the cutting of trees used to make charcoal, another big environmental issue.

The families have been barely subsisting by selling small bananas or reselling charcoal. It's not been enough for sufficient food, clothing, or home repair. These families also do not have easy access to water, let alone adequate hand washing stations. Being nutritionally compromised and living in overcrowded, unsafe housing, they are the most vulnerable to illness and infection.

The Vulnerable Families Project will provide both short and long term solutions for those who have been suffering and will potentially suffer much more in this pandemic without assistance.

Long term assistance: The current homes of rusted metal and brittle grass would be reconstructed out of sturdy cement block with proper metal roofing. The families would be recruited to help with hauling water and other nontechnical assistance. An all local workforce would be hired, additionally stimulating the economy. The project manager and builders will follow safe practices to ensure that construction would not increase the risk contagion (masks, individual water and food containers for workers, hand washing station, divided days for labor, etc.).

This would be an investment in these families and the area in general, changing the health and longevity prospects of everyone living in these unsafe conditions.

Medium term assistance for greater economic opportunity/stability: For around $5,000 US, a system of matching business investment would help these families with funds needed to start or increase small commerce. Additional business training and support along with training in COVID safe practices during commerce will also be provided. This kick start, along with cleaner and more stable living conditions, would change life tremendously for families both in the near and long term.

Short term assistance for immediate hunger issues increased by COVID-19: $3,500 will deliver food assistance for 1 month to these families. Food prices in Haiti continue to be at prohibitively inflated levels and people who were already undernourished are even more so now, making them additionally vulnerable to illness.

These practical and life-changing interventions would impact 100 men, women, and children.

Donate securely online here

Or mail your check to
MPM Haiti
PO Box 15013
St. Louis, MO 63110
Please note on check or online donation:
"Vulnerable Families"

You can help make housing construction like this
a reality for a family in Southern Haiti.

Example of cement block house construction in Haiti

Makeshift home of rusty metal sheets housing a family in Southern Haiti

Children vulnerable to infection and illness. Undernourished, insufficiently clothed, and in substandard housing.

These makeshift shelters for families are extremely vulnerable to weather, intruders, and illness.

Families in these housing conditions need a hand up to provide safe and sanitary living conditions for their children.

Areas in Southern Haiti where these vulnerable families live