Haiti Earthquake

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The situation

Following the tragic earthquake in Haiti on January 12, Oxfam agencies around the world would like to thank everyone for the generous support from the public and other donors. In total to date, Oxfam has received nearly US$80 million. Thanks to your generosity our short-term emergency relief work in Haiti is now funded. But the scale of the destruction and the level of poverty in Haiti means that Haiti will need help for years to come.

Official estimates indicate a ten-year time frame to rebuild the country. Oxfam will allot all future donations for Haiti towards our plans over to help rebuild Haiti over the next few years as it emerges from the aftermath of this terrible disaster.

You can help. Donate now to our Haiti Appeal.

Post-emergency work

Oxfam is still increasing its aid effort in Haiti to reach more and more people. So far we have reached 100,000 people with water and sanitation and temporary shelter. Oxfam is also giving people cash for clearing up their neighbourhood and digging latrines and handing out essential hygiene kits.

The longer term needs will be great given the scale of destruction and the level of pre-existing poverty in Haiti. This will involve helping to rehabilitate water and sanitation systems in poorer urban neighbourhoods and helping people to increase their food production in sustainable ways.

Oxfam has been working in Haiti since 1978 and through our networks we will help local communities to have a voice in how the government and the international community go about rebuilding Haiti.

“Haitians are not expecting charity; they want to get jobs, to educate their kids and to make sure they have a roof over their heads at night.” Marcel Stoessel, Oxfam International Chief of Mission in Haiti.