37 Seconds that Changed a Country Forever

by Ontario Communications
Categories: Divisional News
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Haiti is still struggling to recover from a devastating earthquake on January 12, 2010 that killed more than 250,000 people and crippled the nation's infrastructure. Six years later, The Salvation Army continues to work alongside Haitians to strengthen their communities.

“On January 12, 2016, to mark the sixth anniversary of the earthquake, The Salvation Army will open a new, expanded medical clinic, to replace its health facility that was damaged beyond repair,” says Manjita Biswas, Program Director for Overseas Projects.

 “The new clinic has been funded by The Salvation Army in Canada, in partnership with The Salvation Army World Services Office in the U.S.,” continues Biswas. “It will serve a greater number of patients and integrate with other Salvation Army supports within the community.”

The Haitian contractor committed to hiring and training unskilled workers from the community to participate in the construction. They walked away with a livelihood for their families and ownership in the buildings and the community.

In addition to the clinic, The Salvation Army in Canada has funded a five-year, US$3.6 million integrated family support program. The project provides assistance to vulnerable families and children in permanent housing and offers vocational training to help re-establish livelihoods and agriculture.

As of November 2015:

  • Workers in Haiti162 permanent houses have been constructed and another 50 are in progress.
  • 741 vulnerable youth received vocational training. Many are employed and working in various fields such as construction, motor mechanics, auto shop, plumbing, agriculture and electricity.
  • 815 families received livelihood training and business support
  • 1,015 farmers received agricultural and inputs support

“The Salvation Army World Missions Department is grateful for the support of its generous donors,” says Major Gillian Brown, Director. “Your generosity is ensuring that earthquake affected communities in Haiti can rebuild their lives and meet their own needs.”