Children in Cité Soleil, one of the largest slum of Port-au-Prince where over 350 000 people are living. Like most children in Little Haïti, they attend the salesian schools supported by Caritas in Cité Soleil.

Credits: MathildeMagnier/Caritas

Caritas has helped more than 2.3 million Haitians six months after an earthquake in January.

The devastating 7 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti on 12th January 2010. It left over 230,000 dead and many more people homeless and injured.

Bishop Pierre Dumas, President of Caritas Haiti, said, “Six months ago the devastating earthquake destroyed the foundations of social life in Haiti and plunged many families into grief and distress. Today, Caritas continues to share the joys and miseries, the sorrows and hopes of this nation and its crucified history.

“We are grateful for the generous outpouring of aid to Haiti in the first phase of operations. On the 12 July 2010, we remember those who rushed to the spot like heroes to save lives, relieve pain, give food and drink, welcome, house and express their solidarity.

“Haiti's terrible tragedy can be put to good use if it shows why we need to end poverty and injustice around the world. This misfortune could at least turn into a great school of apprenticeship for humanity and become a cradle for the new civilisation of love and integral development.”

Caritas has provided food, water, shelter, healthcare, sanitation, counselling and protection at a cost of US$46.8 million (€37.4 million).

Up to 1.5 million people received food aid and close to 400,000 people benefited from Caritas healthcare programmes following the disaster. However, major challenges remain for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Haiti such as housing.

Over one million people still live in makeshift settlements and camps around the capital Port-au-Prince and providing them with better accommodation ahead of the imminent rainy season is essential.

Caritas has provided emergency shelter or temporary homes to almost 160,000 people in Port-au-Prince and in rural areas since the earthquake struck.

Caritas is currently developing a rehabilitation and reconstruction plan for the next five years.

Caritas will provide further aid all throughout this rebuilding period. The focus will mainly be on shelter, education, disaster risk reduction, health and livelihood recovery.

Read our Haiti six months report

Please call Patrick Nicholson on +39 06 698 79 725 or +39 334 359 0700 or email nicholson@caritas.va with any requests.