ESSENTIALS
Basic living conditions for many Haitians, especially those in rural areas, are dire, falling well below global standards. Without outside intervention, those conditions will only get worse. When a hurricane, drought, or earthquake strikes, their lack of reserve quickly leads to desperate conditions. The government, already overwhelmed, rarely has resources for rural communities. FBR steps in when possible. Disasters are inevitable. Our goal is to build enough resilience for this community to recover from the next one without intervention.
Clean Water
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Shelter
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A majority of potable water sources in Haiti, even wells, are vulnerable or compromised. At B-R over 1,000 registered households, (6,000 individuals), are using Gift of Water (GofW) filtration systems which guarantee clean drinking water. Using resources supplied through FBR, five GofW technicians keep local wells in working order and make home visits to test water, instruct users, and update filter systems. When cholera was introduced to Haiti in 2010, the B-R community has remained largely unaffected thanks to the clean-water habits which were established thru GofW trainings prior to the crisis.
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Traditional thatch-roof huts are still very common in rural Haiti. These mud-walled homes, often with dirt floors, are particularly vulnerable to inevitable hurricanes. Community leaders has identified a list of homes and owners who are most in need of assistance. Using materials provided by FBR, they recruit contractors and volunteers to build concrete/sheet-metal replacements. The new home, two rooms and porch, 360 sq. ft.,
offers a secure, dry living space to occupants which often number five or six. Thanks to volunteers assistance and frugal coordination, the average cost per home is $14/sq. ft. |
Transportation
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Food
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Children often walk a couple of miles or more to get to school. Animals are commonly used to haul goods to the market. Motorcycles are finally common but have significant limitations. In 2014 FBR provided funding for a "community" truck which coordinators use to haul people and supplies for every conceivable need: doctor visits, funerals, school trips, group picnics, soccer games, medical emergencies, etc. By providing a ready connection to nearby towns an far as Port-au-Prince. The truck is key to countless possibilities. As a ready connection to nearby towns, it breaks their isolation and greatly enhances their sense of independence.
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Hunger in this rural community is pervasive. Local gardens are dependent on natural rainfall. B-R suffered droughts in 2014 &15. In 2016 Hurricane Matthew destroyed 80% of the gardens and fields and many animals. Since the earthquake in 2010, FBR has provided several emergency rice allotments and frequently facilitates food supplies for early school-age children.
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Statistics
In addition to being highly vulnerable to natural hazards, Haiti suffers from constant political instability, rapid currency depreciation, high levels of inflation, and contraction of GDP. The World Bank
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Simple Solution
THE POWER OF CHLORINE: How a simple solution slashed child mortality in rural Kenyan villages
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