Haiti's Houses of Hope
January 14, 2013
Hope Force International has been on a remarkable journey with the people of Sous Savanne for nearly three years now. HFI co-founder Jack Minton recently revisited the community and recalled his first impressions:
?I?ll never forget my first encounter with the people, who at the time lived in nothing more than dwellings comprised of scrap plastic, sheets and blankets -- held up by sticks and branches. While there is still much to be done, we celebrate each time a home is finished, dedicated and given to a desperately needy family.?
After so much devastation from the earthquake in 2010, Minton was happy to report that the homes built through the Houses of Hope project survived both Hurricanes Isaac and Sandy remarkably well.
With 18 homes completed, HFI is reaching out further into the hillsides of Sous Savanne to an area called Babay, finding many who are still living in horrific and woefully inadequate housing. Since the earthquake struck three years ago, villagers have struggled to cobble together some form of shelter in an attempt to avoid the extreme heat and seasonal heavy rains. These dwellings appear to be not much more than random scraps of tin, shredded tarps, sticks and twigs and mud -- and an occasional tent.
Although not separated by great distance, access to Babay compared to Sous Savanne is difficult. The teams working there have identified several places to provide permanent dwellings in 2013, but have had to overcome obstacles to get materials to this remote location.
Having witnessed the impact of the Houses of Hope project in Sous Savanne, the very notion that they could be considered for a new block home has sparked a measured sense of anticipation amongst the residents of Babay. As a result, the narrow walking path leading to the village is being widened by the men there, with the aim of providing access for the vehicles required to bring construction supplies to various homesites.
This is hard, hot, dirty work -- yet smiles are bright as progress continues one swing of the pick at a time.
HFI has set a goal to build 25 houses in 2013 for the people of Babay and Sous Savanne. Please consider sponsoring a House of Hope in full or in part.
