Applying nearly a century of relief expertise as the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, JDC mobilized within hours of the tragic January 12th, 2010 earthquake in Haiti and has raised some $8.6 million dollars to help the survivors rebuild their lives. As of January 2012, JDC has allocated some 81% of raised funds and will assign the remainder of its funding for critical reconstruction efforts for the most devastated victims, including children and people with disabilities.
Helping Rebuild Haiti
- Phase One: Responding to the Emergency
Given the severe devastation, in the first two months following the disaster JDC allocated $2 million to address urgent needs, providing basic emergency relief to save lives in both Port-au-Prince and the periphery. This included supporting immediate efforts to provide doctors and nurses, as well as medicines, medical equipment, ambulances, blankets and mattress, and other essential supplies to aid in earthquake-related injuries. Working with local, Israeli, and international NGOs, JDC’s initial relief efforts also provided victims with food, water, and shelter. - Phase Two: Meeting the Needs of the Displaced and Injured
With one in three Haitians directly affected by the earthquake, there was tremendous work to be done even once the emergency relief efforts were completed. Months after the disaster hit, JDC focused on assisting victims who had been displaced or injured, working with community leaders to provide psychosocial support and opening a state-of-the-art rehabilitation clinic and prosthetic lab for amputees. JDC also created educational alternatives for thousands of Haitian children whose schools were destroyed by establishing temporary schools in tent cities. During the cholera crisis, JDC responded immediately by providing medical supplies to thousands of Haitians. - Phase Three: Building Towards The Future
While Haiti will continue to face many challenges along the road to recovery, JDC is investing in its future by providing quality education for children through two schools, one of which JDC already opened in 2011 on an educational campus in Zoranje that serves 600 children. JDC is also helping Haiti’s economy by creating jobs and providing vocational training. Working with a group of committed local civil society leaders, JDC is expanding the capacity for grassroots community development in Haiti.
HAITI RELIEF PROGRAMS
Take an in-depth look at JDC’s relief efforts in Haiti.
