Hurricane recovery in Camp Perrin

In the wake of Hurricane Matthew in 2016, we partnered with OPMAGAT to assist in their efforts to rehabilitate agricultural lands damaged by the hurricane. The OPMAGAT farmers mobilized quickly, using our modest donation to buy seeds and replace their gardening tools, and planted multiple large raised beds in eight locations in the area. Overseen by a trained agronomist at each site, community members worked together to grow quick-growing vegetable seedlings. Once the seedlings were ready, one hundred and forty families—over 1,000 people—transplanted the seedlings into their personal gardens to reap the benefits of their labor. Our cofounders visited Camp Perrin after our initial collaboration and were extremely impressed with the work OPMAGAT was doing. This is an organization doing invaluable work in their community, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them.

Partnership with CO·PRO·VA·CA

(COMBITE DES PROFESSIONELES POUR LA VALORISATION DE CANAAN)

COPROVACA is an active civic association in the post-earthquake settlement of Canaan, outside Port-au-Prince. Their efforts have strengthened the social fabric of the community and improved the lives of residents in countless ways—including providing better access to clean water, electricity, public lighting and even street signs. We partnered with COPROVACA's leadership committee throughout the development of our microsavings program and supported two cohorts of participants together.

Canaan

After the earthquake of 2010, many of those displaced by the disaster relocated to a vast informal settlement on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince. Known as Canaan—Haiti’s Promised Land—the previously uninhabited area has grown rapidly to an estimated 200,000 residents. It is Haiti’s largest informal settlement, on track to become the country’s third largest city.

Despite great challenges, Canaan is also a place of opportunity and ingenuity—a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the people who are rebuilding their lives there. Out of a barren dusty plain, Canaan’s residents are forging a new city teeming with energy and vitality. It was also the birthplace of R2R.