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 $8.68 million dollars to help the survivors rebuild their lives. As of January 2013, JDC programs have impacted more than 300,000 Haitians — that’s 1 out of every 10 people affected by the catastrophic disaster — and has allocated some 96% of raised funds. We will assign remaining funds 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 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 confront 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, tremendous work remained 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 Toward The Future
JDC’s priority today is investing in social and physical infrastructure with a clear emphasis on training and sustainability as Haiti continues to face challenges on its road to recovery. JDC is investing in the country’s future by providing quality education for children through three schools as well as a vocational training school that will play a role in building Haiti’s workforce. Working with a group of committed local civil society leaders, JDC is expanding the capacity for grassroots community development in Haiti, with a special focus on women and youth.
Hurricane Sandy Response
Amidst these longer-term development and reconstruction efforts, JDC provided emergency support following Hurricane Sandy. Cooperating with previously established partners such as Heart to Heart International and Partners in Health, JDC has been providing some of the hardest-hit areas with anti-cholera community outreach and educational activities, clinical staff support and treatment supplies, ready relief boxes for clinic locations, hygiene kits, and fuel for response vehicles in the hurricane zone.
HAITI RELIEF PROGRAMS
Take an in-depth look at JDC’s relief efforts in Haiti.
