Transition from emergency assistance to long-term support that helps rural communities, entrepreneurs and youth to build a stronger, more resilient country.
The January 2010 earthquake dealt a tragic blow to a country where 55 percent of the population already lived below a poverty line of $1 a day. Still struggling to rebuild, many families have no means to support themselves. Harmful environmental practices have also damaged the country's vital agricultural land, decreasing production and leading to increased food insecurity.
- Emergency response: Reached more than 1 million people with emergency supplies, clean water, cholera prevention, psycho-social support and temporary jobs immediately after the January 2010 earthquake
- Economic opportunity: Increasing incomes for vulnerable families and young people by helping them start businesses, get vocational training, access savings and loan associations, and connect with larger markets for their products
- Agriculture & Food: Promoting conservation farming techniques and helping farmers diversify their gardens with high-value crops to increase profits and build food security
- Environment: Promoting clean energy technologies and land conservation in rural communities to rehabilitate degraded land, maintain fertile soil and reduce damage from natural disasters
- Disaster preparedness: Training local risk management committees to better identify risk and manage emergency response needs
All stories about Haiti
Haiti: Tatie’s Home, a bakery in Port-au-Prince August 24, 2011
Tatie grew up in a family of seven children, and wanted to own her own business since she was a little girl. While just a young student, Tatie's mother passed away and Tatie began raising her younger brother and god-daughter.
Haiti: Mobile banking customer in Saint-Marc, Haiti August 5, 2011
One of the storeowners in Saint-Marc, Haiti, supported by Mercy Corps' Mobile Money program.
Haiti: Mobile wallets help Haitians rebuild August 3, 2011
Families needed food. Small vendors and local economies needed cash. And it turns out the solution to this Catch-22 was right in the hands — or the pockets — of most Haitians.
Haiti: After the earthquake, focusing on rural areas June 22, 2011
The earthquake of January 12, 2010, may prove to be a crossroad for Haiti. The people of this poor but proud country are certainly ready for the tide to turn in their favor.
Haiti: Demonstrating how mobile money is helping Haiti June 9, 2011
Congress learned something new about the power of cell phones last week – and not what you might think. Mercy Corps hosted an event on Capitol Hill to share with legislators how mobile technology can be a force for positive social change.
Haiti: A culture of entrepreneurship June 2, 2011
Mention of Haiti often brings forth images of rampant unemployment, desperation and a society of people who are just barely making ends meet. While this is not an incorrect image, it is incomplete.
Haiti: What is your wish for Haiti? May 31, 2011
This is not the type of question you hear very often here. Everyone talks about what Haiti needs: shelter, infrastructure, healthcare. But it is rare to ask Haitians what they wish for their country.
Haiti: Market fairs acting as mobile money boot camp in Haiti May 25, 2011
On May 13, the Haiti Economic Recovery Team arrived on site in Saint-Marc’s 5eme section to witness our first market fair.
Haiti: Finding peace and serenity in Haiti May 4, 2011
After warming up outside with a name game, the children return to the classroom for their next activity. The mentor asks them to close their eyes and focus on their breathing. They have just had an outdoor activity and it’s time to slow down — it’s time for meditation.
Haiti: In Haiti, children giggle with delight May 2, 2011
I met Guivens Cemervil for the first time when he traveled to Mercy Corps headquarters in Portland, Oregon last January on the anniversary of Haiti’s earthquake. His story is remarkable: he was the only survivor in his university’s classroom of 60 to be unharmed.