Haiti: 826 homes inaugurated during the first year of work

Over 2,800 Un Techo para mi Pais volunteers, from all over Latin America, have already built 826 transitional homes, demonstrating their commitment to the reconstruction of Haiti.

One year after the event, the Un Techo para mi País (UTPMP) volunteers reaffirm, once again their commitment with the families victims of the earthquake of Haiti. Throughout the year they have been able to change the situation of 826 families that once lived in tents; therefore, together taking a first step to creating sustainable communities.

¨But the real contribution to Haitian society has been another, and stays true to our method and style of work¨ assured Alexander Kliwadenko, Social Director of UTPMP – Haiti. ¨We seek to reach the core of an entire society and bridge two distant realities: that of the most excluded people and that of those that have access to the greatest opportunities. This is why we invite youth, so that they have a chance to participate and become actors in the historical processes and development of their country¨ he added.

To date, this commitment has allowed them to:

• Build 826 transitional homes in the communities of Canaan and Grand Goave.

• Mobilize 2,874 volunteers in eight mass-scale constructions. The vast majority of which have been Haitian volunteers, committed to the reconstruction of their country.

• Set up and consolidate the UTPMP – Haiti, office with legal status.

According to the Shelter Cluster, the entity responsible for coordinating the interventions of the different organizations working on shelters, as part of the reconstruction of Haiti, Un Techo para mi País is among the 10 NGOs that have built more homes in Haiti after the earthquake, with the fastest and most efficient response. ¨We have only been able to achieve this thanks to the tireless and well- coordinated support from companies, international organizations, volunteers, and the families and that currently live in bidon villes¨ said Sebastian Smart, General Manager of UTPMP – Haiti.

Yet far from being satisfied by the work that has been achieved this year, the challenges for the following years is event greater. The objectives proposed as of 2015 are:

• Build 10,000 transitional homes

• Implement Social Inclusion plans in 15 camps, involving community members in the different community development plans.

• Achieve the participation of 25% of the University students in volunteer activities in camps where UTPMP works.

¨The work carried out by Un Techo para mi Pais in Haiti during this year is solid proof that through small gestures and commitments we can change the reality in a country in which many have lost faith and that only seeks another opportunity.¨ concluded Kliwadenko.

CONTACTS

In Haiti:

Sofía San Cristóbal Un Techo para mi País Haití Mobile: (+509) 37 01 72 25 [email protected] Boulevard 15 Octobre Nº 18 Port au Prince, Haiti

In Chile (Headquarters):

Iván Víquez S. Chief of Local Branding for Latin America and the Caribbean Un Techo para mi País Office: (+562) 8387367 Mobile: (+569) 95549634 [email protected] Departamental 440, San Joaquín Santiago, Chile