HAITI

Earthquake Response and Recovery

On January 12th 2010, a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti resulting in the loss of more than 230,000 lives and massive destruction. CHF responded immediately. With funding from USAID, CHF launched a major recovery program that focused on large-scale rubble removal and recycling, cash-for-work, construction of transitional shelters and a new type of disaster response using a neighborhood approach.

KATYE, Building a New City

Since the earthquake, CHF International has been working with Haitian communities to recover and rebuild. As part of an integrated approach, we are implementing the groundbreaking USAID-funded KATYE urban reconstruction program in the neighborhood of Ravine Pintade, in Port-au-Prince. Through KATYE, CHF with our partner PCI, is implementing long-term reconstruction. Our integrated approach provides rubble removal and shelter building services, while working with the community to plan for green spaces, plots for schools, and proper access roads to cover the basics of sustainable urban improvement. Returning people to their own communities reduces violence, crime and disorder; facilitates access to employment and maintains community cohesion. By targeting every aspect of urban development, the KATYE program can serve as a blueprint for future disaster recovery initiatives around the world.

Building Stability through Sustainable Job Creation and Infrastructure Rehabilitation

From 2006 - 2011, CHF implemented the USAID-funded KATA program to promote stability by creating jobs and rehabilitating much-needed infrastructure. KATA, which stands for the Creole “Konbit Ak Tet Ansanm,” the principle of working together to accomplish a common goal, helped to create long and short-term employment opportunities for the people of Haiti. Operating in five regions of the country – Petit-Goave, Port-au-Prince, Saint Marc, Gonaives and Cap Haitian – the program trained and employed residents to build and upgraded key community resources, such as roads, schools, drainage canals, hospitals and clinics, bridges and water systems. During the life of the program nearly 170,000 long and short-term jobs were created and 237 infrastructure projects were completed. Through KATA, CHF also worked with the private sector in Haiti to train workers in key skilled sectors, such as garment work and construction, to promote long-term sustainable employment.

To learn more, please read about KATA's accomplishments here.