Haiti Earthquake Appeal

On the ground

Our response in Haiti is helping a total of 85,000 people affected by the earthquake, with plans to extend this support to reach over 110,000.

Cash-for-work

As the focus of relief efforts in Haiti turns towards recovery, we have started to employ people to clean up their makeshift camps and improve their living conditions, eg removing rubble, clearing market spaces, helping to dig latrines.

This “cash-for-work” effort is set to expand across nine sites where Oxfam has recently installed clean water and latrines, serving 80,000 people.

Our assessment of market conditions in Port-au-Prince shows there is sufficient food, but people do not have the money to purchase it. Oxfam has tested “cash for work” in crises around the world and found it more effective than food distribution as long as sufficient food is available on the market. It also helps restores dignity in difficult circumstances.

We’re also contemplating cash distributions in target areas to boost the micro-economy in and around the camps.

Water and sanitation

We also have installed water bladders at five sites, bringing clean water to 65,000 people. Water trucks are arriving daily, and we’ve put monitors in place to call for more when needed.

In pictures: distributing water

We’re working hard to provide effective sanitation for 75,000 people. Work on latrines and washing areas has been completed at two sites, including on latrine designed for use by disabled people, and will soon be completed at a further three sites. 

You can help: donate now to our earthquake response

Update: 4 February 2010