175 New Shelters Go Up In Darbonne

UPDATE: August 1st, 2010

We're pleased to let you know that the construction of the transitional community in Darbonne, Haiti is well under way.

The people who will be living in this new housing are said to be "hanging around and very proud of their new shelters".

CoAid's contribution to this project was to lease the land on which the 175 shelters are being built. The shelters themselves are being built by Samaritans Purse with Haitian workers.

Each shelter consists of a large single room complete with bunk-beds and shelving. The frame of the shelter is wrapped in heavy-duty tarpaulin sheeting. A tin roof catches rain water into a large container. There are communal latrines within close walking distance, and it is anticipated wells for drinking water will be in place soon. Each community offers a safe place for children to play as well as security to deter crime and other problems.

I am hoping to travel to Haiti within the next 2 weeks to meet our partners and review the project as well as determine how CoAid can best serve the long-term needs of Haiti as it recovers from the devastating earthquake.

We're excited CoAid has been able to serve in this way, and amazed at the interest and support this particular project has raised.

Please see our Haiti Housing Appeal page if you'd like to find out how far a $12 donation can go to help a homeless family. When was the last time you heard a month's rent costing only $1?

Thank you for supporting this important work.

May God bless you,

Steve Neill
President, CoAid