Haiti’s devastating earthquake in January 2010 galvanized the world to reach out to a nation suffering from untold destruction. Hope Force continues to be actively engaged in providing basic necessities for Haitians in desperate need. Though the quality of life has been improved for many people in our village, the issue of long-term housing and sanitation is a vital step in long-term recovery.
The goal of the “Houses of Hope” project is to work with villagers to build durable, permanent homes, which will be constructed using high-quality blocks, a concrete foundation, and good quality trusses and roofing built by a local contractor. The block design demonstrates commitment to the Haitian people and their culture that views block structures as permanent homes, not temporary shelters. Even eleven years after the earthquake, many people still live in the post-earthquake “shelters” which have become long-term housing and are often deteriorating.
“Houses of Hope” is a vital step in meeting the dire housing needs of our village and surrounding communities. It is also key to the long-term recovery of rural Haiti. As per early 2021 HFI has built 83 Houses of Hope in greater Sous Savanne. These homes can be built for $ 7,000 each.
For Hope Force, it is very important that recipient family members participate in building the house or latrine to instill pride and ownership rather than creating a sense of dependency. The candidate needs to have their own land and provide two bags of cement. Construction begins with family members digging the foundation under the supervision of the contractor. For the duration of the project the family provides water needed for mixing concrete and actively works together to earn “sweat equity” in their new home. Finally, the family members participate in the painting of the house. When the house is finished, we dedicate the new home by presenting a Bible or New Testament, the keys to the home, a time of prayer, and photo shoot of the family at their new home.
Why build latrines?
When everyone uses latrines, the environment is clean. It is more difficult for germs in feces to spread to another person and make them sick. Latrines help to keep water sources free from germs. Flies cannot easily land on feces and transfer germs to food. Using latrines can prevent gastrointestinal diseases. It is important to put the feces of children and babies in the latrine too. Their feces contain just as many germs! In an epidemic, building latrines and encouraging the community to use them is an important part of preventing the spread of disease.
A Hope Force style VIP Latrine consists of:
For the latrines, the beneficiary provides one bag of cement, water for the mixing of concrete and commits to digging the 4 x 4 x 12 ft pit for the latrine, under the supervision of the contractor. All potential candidates write an application letter and go through an intake process, before a project is approved.
The cost to build a latrine is currently $1,500 each. Since 2020 the focus has shifted somewhat from the houses to the latrines. Many families do not have access to any sanitary facilities so providing a latrine/outhouse with a toilet and shower/bathing compartment greatly increases health and quality of life. Since our renewed focus in 2020 and until August 2021, HFI has built 13 latrines.
Your generous gift will make a lasting difference for generations to come. Would you consider giving towards this project in Haiti?
HOUSES OF HOPE
per building
LATRINES 4 HEALTH
per latrine
Note: Because of insecurity and shortage of materials prices have greatly increased over the past year.
Haiti’s devastating earthquake in January 2010 galvanized the world to reach out to a nation suffering from untold destruction. Over four years later, Hope Force continues to be actively engaged in providing basic necessities for Haitians in desperate need. Though the quality of life has been improved for many people in our village, the issue of long-term housing is a vital step in long term recovery.
The goal of the “Houses of Hope” project is to work with villagers to build durable, permanent homes, which will be constructed using high-quality blocks, a concrete foundation, and good quality trusses and roofing built by local contractor. The block design demonstrates commitment to the Haitian people and their culture that views block homes as permanent shelters. “Houses of Hope” is a vital step in meeting the dire housing needs of our village and surrounding communities. It is also key to the long term recovery of rural Haiti. These homes can be built for $5,800 each. A secondary objective is to build a latrine in cases where appropriate. The cost to build a latrine is currently $1,300 each.
For Hope Force, it is very important that recipient family members participate in building the house to instill pride and ownership rather than creating a sense of dependency. The candidate(s) — who are most often vulnerable single mothers with two or more children —are asked to participate in a brief training/educational program, including Biblical teaching, personal responsibility, health education and also engage in a community project. The beneficiary needs to have their own land and provide two bags of cement. Construction begins with family members digging the foundation under the supervision of the contractor. For the duration of the project the family provides water needed for mixing concrete and actively works together to earn “sweat equity” in their new home. Finally, the family members participate in the painting of the house. When the house is finished, we dedicate the new home by presenting a Bible or New Testament, the keys to the home, a time of prayer, and photo shoot of the family at their new home.
Would you consider giving towards this project in Haiti? Click here
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