Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on permanent housing community in Leogane, Haiti, as part of five-year plan to serve 50,000 families impacted by 2010 earthquake

Michelle Rivera

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti , September 15, 2011 (press release) – Today, Habitat for Humanity joined with Haitian and U.S. government representatives, local community members, donors and partners to break ground on its permanent housing community in Leogane, Haiti. Habitat's Santo community is part of its five-year plan to serve 50,000 families impacted by the 2010 earthquake.

"Habitat is extremely grateful for the support of donors, partners and community members who are committed to building decent and safe houses and a new community in which families can thrive," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "The Santo project is a major undertaking that would not be possible without the common vision and purpose we share to help Haiti recover."

Habitat's multi-year Santo project is being funded through the generous support from the Inter-American Development Bank-Multilateral Investment Fund; Samenwerkende Hulporganisaties (SHO)/ Cordaid – Netherlands; SAP AG; African-American Baptist Mission Collaboration—Lott Carey; Minuto de Dios; Urban Zen Foundation/New York City Housing Authority; Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (COINS and Jersey Overseas Aid Commission); Diageo Foundation; Progressive Haitian American Organization; Deerborn Charitable Trust, First Institutional Baptist Church; and Ocean Reef Foundation.

Habitat, donors, partners and local citizens are working together to ensure the most vulnerable families are identified and the specific needs of the community are addressed. Habitat has partnered with Architecture for Humanity to develop the overall master plan for the Santo site. The community has provided input on house design, sanitation and other vital services.

By the end of 2011, 150 core homes will be constructed on the Santo site. Construction will culminate with Habitat's 28th annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in November. For one week, beginning Nov. 5, 2011, more than 500 Carter Work Project volunteers will build 100 core homes. The initial 50 homes will be built the prior week by volunteers from Haven Community Foundation, an Irish NGO with whom Habitat has also partnered to provide logistical support for the CWP event.

To date, Habitat's earthquake recovery program, including emergency shelter kits, structural damage assessments, repairs and rehabs, and transitional and upgradable shelters, have benefited more than 28,000 families or approximately 135,000 individuals. In addition, more than 4,000 Haitians have been trained in construction, construction business practices, financial literacy, and health and hygiene.

About Habitat for Humanity Haiti
Habitat for Humanity has been at work in Haiti for 27 years and has provided housing solutions through a variety of initiatives including new home construction, progressive building, home repairs and improvements. Habitat also builds capacity in construction skills, disaster risk reduction and financial literacy, and works in coordination with community and government agencies.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than two million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit Habitat.org.

* All content is copyrighted by Industry Intelligence, or the original respective author or source. You may not recirculate, redistrubte or publish the analysis and presentation included in the service without Industry Intelligence's prior written consent. Please review our terms of use.