Monday marked the six month anniversary since the devastating earthquake struck Haiti on January 12. By now stories of immense loss and unimaginable damage are well known. Over $8 billion has been pledged in international relief, yet rebuilding continues to be slow. Hundreds of thousands of people still live in tent cities and rubble litters the street. At first glance, it may appear that little or no progress is being made, yet the Lambi Fund of Haiti's unprecedented partnerships with local grassroots organizations throughout Haiti have been yielding significant results for thousands of earthquake survivors.
Support Local Economy
In the immediate weeks following the earthquake, the Lambi Fund activated its key partnerships with local peasant organizations. After convening regional meetings with local grassroots leaders to determine recovery priorities, Lambi Fund disbursed over $700,000 to 43 community organizations. As you can see in the photo on the right, Lambi Fund partner organizations were able to quickly and efficiently distribute emergency recovery funds to its members.
These funds supported the local economy when communities purchased needed essentials like locally grown food, clothing, and medical supplies, as well as seeds and tools for local farmers. Women's organizations were able to protect and advocate for women, whose vulnerability increased in the tent cities.
Helping Rural Communities
Over a half million earthquake survivors who lost everything, fled the city and streamed into rural communities to live with friends and family. Emergency funds to these community organizations helped them survive the disaster.
Ostazia Ogusrten, a beneficiary of the earthquake recovery program, has 10 children and lives in northwest Haiti with her husband. She explained, "
After the Jan. 12 earthquake destroyed Port-au-Prince, our household increased by another 10 people. It is thanks to my community organization and the Lambi Fund of Haiti that we got the relief we so desperately needed. Thank you. Thank you VERY much."
Focus on Rebuilding is Critical
At the six month milestone, it is important to look forward towards Haiti's future. Much work is left to be done and the Lambi Fund of Haiti continues to urge that rebuilding include
all members of Haitian society, as well as the promotion of local business enterprises and the strengthening of civil society. To learn more about Lambi Fund's long term rebuilding priorities, click
here.
True to Our Mission
The Lambi Fund of Haiti was founded in 1994 by Haitians and North Americans. Its mission is to assist the popular democratic movement in Haiti. The Lambi Fund provides financial resources, training and technical assistance that promotes the social and economic empowerment of the Haitian people.
Click
here to donate to Lambi Fund of Haiti
