Habitat responds after devastating Haiti earthquake

Habitat for Humanity will address housing needs in Haiti after major earthquake. Habitat for Humanity International is assessing the impact on affordable housing and response options in Haiti after a major earthquake struck near Port-au-Prince on Tuesday. PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (Jan. 13, 2010) — Habitat for Humanity International is currently assessing the impact on affordable housing in Haiti after a 7.0 earthquake struck near Port-au-Prince. Habitat for Humanity will develop an appropriate response as need and available resources become clearer. “Habitat for Humanity will mobilize all available resources to address shelter solutions for low-income families affected by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday,” said Torre Nelson, area vice president of Habitat for Humanity International’s Latin America and Caribbean office. “We are closely monitoring the situation and have been in contact with Habitat for Humanity Haiti. We will begin Habitat’s recovery efforts as soon as possible.” “Habitat for Humanity is sending an assessment team into the impacted area,” said Kip Scheidler, senior director Global Disaster Response, Habitat for Humanity International. “Once we know the full magnitude of this disaster, we’ll begin Habitat’s recovery process.” Habitat for Humanity has been at work in Haiti for 26 years and will use its local expertise and mobilize resources as part of the rebuilding efforts. Habitat has provided more than 2,000 families with housing solutions through a variety of initiatives including new home construction, progressive building, home repairs and improvements. It also builds capacity in construction skills, disaster mitigation and financial literacy, and works in coordination with community and government agencies. The number of affected persons is unknown, however, Haiti’s ambassador to the U.S. has called the quake a “catastrophe of major proportions.” Habitat for Humanity’s ability to respond effectively to this disaster will require support from donors, volunteers, corporate partners and other community organizations. Donations can be made at www.habitat.org. About Habitat for Humanity’s Disaster Response Habitat’s Disaster Response focuses on the housing needs that arise from natural disasters and humanitarian emergency conflicts. Habitat offers expertise in technical information; program design and implementation; and disaster response policies, protocols and procedures. We also provide support and informational resources for disaster mitigation and preparedness―helping communities in disaster-prone areas protect themselves against future threats. 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 350,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.75 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org and www.habitat.org/ap. Photo: Reuters/Eduardo Munoz, courtesy www.alertnet.org.