PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Brenda Porter-Rockwell, Director of Public Relations
Phone: (302) 652-0365 x108
[ E-mail: bporterrockwell@habitatncc.org ]

Port-Au-Prince, Haiti: Just days after the devastating earthquake in Haiti last week, representatives from Habitat for Humanity International’s (HFHI) Disaster Respnse Team are on the ground there. Based on what is known now and HFHI’s past experience with international disasters, the early response to the earthquake is expected to be threefold: 1) mobilizing people to clear the way for shelter construction and home rehabilitation; 2) distributing building materials and tools in shelter kits; 3) construction of transitional housing. The extent of each intervention will depend on the amount of support they are able to mobilize.

The Cleanup: To clear the way for home repair and construction, Habitat for Humanity plans to assist in the cleanup by mobilizing people to remove debris and salvage materials that can be recycled into new shelter. Working with other organizations, these activities could include a “cash for work” component that would organize local people in affected neighborhoods and provide them with tools such as shovels, wheelbarrows and crowbars.

Shelter Kits: Shelter kits include building materials and tools and are designed to help families and neighborhoods make immediate repairs. Typically, the kits include items such as wall panels, roofing sheets, hurricane straps, a hammer and nails. For the past three years, Habitat for Humanity has offered vocational education programs in Haiti, meaning that it now has a cadre of certified masons and carpenters to assist families in Port-au-Prince.

Transitional Shelter: Habitat for Humanity also plans to repair and rebuild housing, using a transitional-shelter model. Small transitional shelters can be built quickly and provide permanent base structures that can be expanded over time. Given Haiti’s history of being affected by natural disasters, the structures will be designed with hurricane- and earthquake-resistant features.

In addition to these interventions, immediate response will include working with Habitat Haiti to restore its capacity to fully participate in the recovery efforts. Through all aspects of the work, Habitat will cultivate partnerships with local residents and other humanitarian organizations that can multiply the effectiveness of the response.

HFHI is Accepting Corporate Donations of Tools and Building Supplies
Habitat Int’l is collecting offers of product at the moment as we do not have a full understanding of what is needed in those areas affected by the earthquake. Also, HFHI does not have warehouse facilities needed to store materials until ready for use. HFHI is asking companies willing to make a donation of needed products to send Habitat International a letter of intent on company letterhead outlining what gift could be made, how long it would be available and how it could be delivered. HFHI is not equipped to accept tool donations from individuals.
To learn more about HFHI’s relief efforts, visit www.habitat.org.