Operation Hope for Haiti

The island nation of Haiti, the poorest and most vulnerable country in the Western Hemisphere, was battered by three, successive tropical cyclones during late August and early September, 2008. Nationwide, over one million people were adversely affected. According to the Direction de la Protection Civile (DPC), flooding completely destroyed over 4,000 homes while 18,000 more suffered extensive damage. In addition, floodwaters temporarily displaced more than 100,000 people. Even prior to the storms, 85% of the population (estimated around 8.3 million) lived below the poverty line: struggling to survive on an average per capita income of less than $480 per year.

Among the hardest hit areas was the town of Hinche, located in the Central Department approximately 80 miles from the capital city, Port-au-Prince. The Guayamouc River, which borders this regional commercial centre of 93,000 inhabitants, overflowed its banks on September 1, 2008. The resulting floodwaters completely inundated over half of the town and severely damaged its water system. As a consequence, more than 750 families were forced to evacuate their homes and seek refuge in shelters. In addition, residents lost access to clean water for several days; hundreds of hectares of crops were lost and; most businesses closed for extended periods.

In partnership with the City of Miami, World Vision is implementing a three-year project to prevent loss of human life and reduce suffering, especially from floods and other natural disasters. By building watershed walls, reforesting the target area and providing cash-for-work, this project will enhance local capacity and increase long-term sustainability. Your gift will help to reduce future damage, strengthen a community and secure a healthier future for children and families in Hinche.