In Haiti, cautious hope around effort to find families new homes

“What saved Haitians, even in the worst camp conditions, was the community spirit whereby everybody helped his neighbor,” says Nicole Phillips, staff attorney at the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti, whose lawyers monitor the respect of human rights and the accountability of international actors in Haiti. “When you break up these communities and their ties, surviving becomes more difficult.”

Humanitarian groups partnering in the project consider it a step in the right direction. “Giving cash to people to move, when integrated within a reconstruction and recovery plan, can be a very effective method,” says Emmett Fitzgerald, program manager for 16/6 for the International Office on Migration. But extending the plan is possible only if rebuilding proceeds at the same pace, as there would never be enough housing for the entire population living in camps.

Residents of camps also support it. In a shady corner of the Maïs Gaté camp, a young man named Jackie, a young father of three, eagerly takes down his family tent at the end of December. “I can’t wait to leave the camp. It took me a long time to find a house,” he says, not interrupting his work. He will pay the equivalent of $500 for a year’s rent, a sum the program underwrote.

The money is given to residents only when they find a house, to prevent people from taking the money and living under tarps elsewhere. Those who negotiate a lower rent can keep the difference.

The Red Cross is responsible for the relocation of people at Maïs Gaté. “This program allows a follow-up: Those who are relocated will later receive an additional $500 to start an activity, and some professional training,” says Jean-Baptiste Pericles, communication officer of the Haitian Red Cross.

“Clearly, this is better than using violence to force evictions. But many points are still unanswered,” says Ms. Phillips. “This cash-giving model is not sustainable for the poor. What will happen in a year from now? Thousands of people who left the camps today will be homeless again. And they won’t be allowed to return to camps.”

And not everyone has been able to move. Almost alone, Claircil Luxarmor stands amid the litter of destroyed tents at the Maïs Gaté camp, holding her baby. She lost her husband in the earthquake. The “K059” painted on her shelter indicates that she can benefit from the relocation program if she finds a new place. “We have not been able to find another place. I cannot work nor look for a house as I need to take care of my children,” she says. “We feel condemned to stay here.” 

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