Haiti Update: Rebuilding After Hurricane Matthew
A number of the business owners we work with in Haiti were affected by Hurricane Matthew. The city of Jérémie was hardest hit, with 18 out of 75 of our member businesses experiencing damage to their buildings and loss of inventory. In the city of Les Cayes, eight out of our 25 businesses experienced physical damage.
Both of these communities lacked food and clean water immediately after the hurricane passed. With your help we responded to these needs by providing water and locally-made survival kits to 950 families in our network who hadn’t yet received aid.
We are now working with the leadership of our business groups in Jérémie and Les Cayes to oversee the reconstruction of these businesses by local Haitian contractors. Our Business Affiliates from the U.S. and Canada have not only been instrumental in guiding these reconstruction efforts, but have also contributed significantly to the $105,000 we have raised to accomplish this work.
Hurricane Matthew put Michelet’s bakery (pictured above) out of business. Together with our partner REGA, we have helped Michelet repair and rebuild his bakery. He said there would have been no way for him to get back in business without the help provided REGA and Partners Worldwide.
In Petit Goâve, businesses are working with local farmers on reforestation efforts. Restoring the land and getting farmers reestablished is vital to combat hunger and keep Haiti’s economy moving forward.
We are proud to work with dedicated Haitian business owners willing to lead the reconstruction of their communities. Thank you for your prayers and support during this time!
December 8, 2016