A family stands in front of their new home with CMMB staff. They are one of 15 families to receive new homes following the 2021 earthquake.

Challenges and progress three years after Haiti’s devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake 

It has been three years since a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the south of Haiti. More than 2,200 lives were lost. August 14, 2021, will always be a reminder of the tragedy that fell upon our brothers and sisters in Haiti—our colleagues, their families, and those they serve. Words can never fully capture the extent of damage that followed this disaster. Beyond the heartbreaking loss of loved ones, homes and livelihoods were ripped away. Hospitals were damaged beyond repair. Healthcare became even harder to access. While families grappled with how to rebuild their lives, the political upheaval grew perilous.    

“Three years later, we still see destruction when we drive in certain areas,” said CMMB Program Manager Syndie Saint-Hilaire, MD, MPH.  “Health, education, and economic infrastructures were affected. This came on top of the general political instability and economic struggles in the country. Rural areas were hit especially hard. Finding a way to help vulnerable families was an emergency. When solutions were not available or evident, it was heartbreaking.”  

While we remember the tragedy of August 14, we also remember the inspiring way our global community stepped up to help. You inspired us.    

The first hours

Within hours of the quake, CMMB responded. The team in Haiti began distributing antibiotics, antiseptics, orthopedic supplies, bandages, and other medicines and medical supplies to healthcare workers and community members in devastated areas. At the same time, our team at CMMB’s New York-based distribution center, managed by our Medical Donations Program, began prepping shipments of emergency aid. The speed with which we were able to dispatch critical medicines and medical supplies was possible only because of your dedicated support. Because of you, we can be ready to respond when emergencies strike. 

In just the first three months of our response, CMMB sent 10 shipments for distribution to health facilities and health workers in Haiti—nearly 8,600 pounds of humanitarian supplies. These first shipments included over $4,800,000 worth of needed medicines and equipment.  

The long haul

The first hours of an emergency are essential, but CMMB is committed to supporting recovery in the days, months, and even years following a catastrophic event. In Haiti, we continue to distribute essential medicines and supplies. We continue to help rebuild homes and hospitals. In the communities we serve, the recovery has not been easy or swift. Gang violence and political turmoil risked staff lives and made transporting supplies dangerous, sometimes impossible. Three years later, deadly violence continues.  

Generous support from partners allowed our Haiti team to persevere despite the challenges. CMMB rebuilt 15 homes for families who lost everything. We also gave new homeowners special water filters and demonstrated how to use them. Reliable access to clean, safe water will help keep families healthy. CMMB also led the reconstruction of two clinics, a lab, and community center. All have helped restore access to health.  

Rebuilding hope with Dieumeleve   

The vibrant green of Dieumeleve’s new home is nothing but cheerful. Built by CMMB with support from a trusted partner, Dieumeleve’s house was constructed to withstand earthquakes and other stressors.   

Dieumeleve, like so many others in her community, lost everything when the earthquake struck.  

“At the time, I was doing my usual gardening,” said Dieumeleve. “The house was destroyed. I lost all my belongings, my crops, my livestock. There were landslides.” 

Many people in her community built makeshift shelters of tin, canvas, and scraps from their broken homes. Dieumeleve and her family were lucky enough to find refuge with a neighbor. It took 23 days for Dieumeleve to piece together her own shelter. Eventually, she made the difficult decision to send the children to Port-au-Prince to live while CMMB built her new home. As violence escalated in the capital, a worried Dieumeleve yearned to bring her children home. Yet the gang roadblocks and shortages of fuel and workers slowed rebuilding.  

CMMB kept pushing. And finally, after bouts of uncertainty, Dieumeleve and the nine other families in her community moved into structurally sound new homes.  

Today, with her home completed and the children safe, Dieumeleve is grateful for the roof over her head—and for the compassion of all those who made it possible.  

“By rebuilding the house, CMMB relieved my worries,” said Dieumeleve. “I think the same must be true for all people who have benefited from CMMB’s support.”  

Our commitment endures

Thank you for joining us as we reflect on the progress made to restore health and livelihoods of those devastated by Haiti’s 2021 earthquake. Please continue to keep those who lost loved ones in your thoughts. Please continue to pray for those whose hardships, both new and old, persist as daily struggles.  

The people of Haiti still need our commitment. The people of Haiti still need you.