Supporting displaced people in Haiti

In Haiti, families from Solino, Fort National, Delmas 24, Nazon and Lalue in Port-au-Prince fled their homes due to attacks by the gang coalition ‘Viv Ansanm’.

In Haiti, families from Solino, Fort National, Delmas 24, Nazon and Lalue in Port-au-Prince fled their homes due to attacks by the gang coalition ‘Viv Ansanm’. Despite resistance from the local people, around 3,000 people were forced to leave their homes under heavy gunfire, many with only the clothes on their backs.

Political instability has allowed armed gangs to dominate, leading to numerous deaths and the destruction or occupation of police stations. Gangs have set up toll booths and restricted access to certain areas and pose high risks of kidnapping or death.

Without humanitarian aid, the situation will worsen for those who are displaced, who fear for their lives and are unable to return home. They are currently living in a field without shelter and sanitation facilities. The Salvation Army has provided food, household items and tarpaulins to 400 families.

Marie-Anne's story

A woman stands in a camp for displaced people

I am a 61-year-old widow living in Solino. I have six children, and after my husband passed away last year, I now live with four of my children and five grandchildren in two small, rented rooms. None of my children work, and I bear the responsibility of caring for my grandchildren.

Last December, bandits forced us out of our home in Solino during a violent conflict, resulting in death and destruction. We barely escaped and now live in a temporary shelter made of wood and tarpaulin provided by The Salvation Army in January.

When Salvation Army officials visited us at the camp last December, we were hopeful for positive change. Shortly after, they returned with a card allowing us to receive aid. On distribution day, I received rice, peas, oil, salmon and a tarpaulin, which brought immense joy as I could finally feed my family properly.

The aid from The Salvation Army sustained us for over a week, and the tarpaulin now serves as a cover for our shelter. Before their help, we often went days without food unless a good Samaritan provided a small portion. Even seeking food from others in the shelter was futile, as they faced similar hardships.

The tarpaulin has given us a safer place to rest, protecting us from the sun and rain. We sleep peacefully at night, though we still fear another gang attack. I am deeply grateful to The Salvation Army for their support and for thinking of the most deprived and vulnerable. We pray for blessings upon those who contribute to their work.

May God continue to bless The Salvation Army worldwide and everyone involved in its mission.