It’s been five years since a devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean island nation of Haiti in the town of Leogane just west of Port au Prince. 230 thousand lives were lost in the quake and another 1.5 million more people were driven from their homes. The Haitian government estimates some 30,000 commercial buildings and 250,000 residences were destroyed or severely damaged by the earthquake.
In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, money for relief and recovery efforts poured in from around the world. According to the United Nations, more than $13 billion has been earmarked for recovery efforts through 2020. However, much recovery work remains as 85,000 Haitians are still living in displacement camps and many of those who’ve gotten out of the camps still struggle to find permanent housing. We’ll explore relief and recovery efforts then and now with the Naples-based non-profit Hope for Haiti, and we’ll hear from members of Southwest Florida’s Haitian community.
Guests:
Romel Durandisse, member of FGCU’s Haitian Student Organization
Tiffany R. Kuehner, President and CEO of Hope for Haiti
Jean Noel, President of FGCU’s Haitian Student Organization
Paula Prince, Deputy Country Director of Hope for Haiti
Josue Valbrun, member of FGCU's Haitian Student Organization
