IMPROVING LIVELIHOODS AND FUTURES
Josette Dorleans used to sell fruit and vegetables from makeshift shelves at the side of the road. It was already a difficult way to make a living, but when the earthquake struck she was forced to use her stock to feed herself and her family.
A cash grant from DEC member the British Red Cross allowed her to start her business up again and continue providing for herself and her family.
In July 2012 the British Red Cross started an urban regeneration project working alongside the community in Delmas 19 region of Haiti. The community was invited to select representatives – including younger and older people, women and disabled, reflecting the diversity of the community – to form a committee, who together would decide their main priorities and needs.
The committee decided that improvements to infrastructure that would support livelihoods was a big priority and so construction began on a new marketplace. The works finished in December 2012, providing an improved place of business for 33 sellers including Josette.
“It is one of the best things the Red Cross has done for us. Even the rainy season can’t stop us selling our products now.”