The USAID pilot program in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, aimed to provide housing options to displaced families. The program, launched in September 2011, offered three relocation options to families living in temporary shelters in Place St. Pierre and Place Boyer, two public squares in Pétion-ville. These options included housing repairs to structurally sound, existing homes, installation of temporary shelters, or one-year rental vouchers.
Working closely with the mayor of Pétion-ville and the International Organization for Migration, USAID/OTI designed the program to address the urgent need for resettlement assistance. The program experienced incredible success, with all 1,300 families safely moving out of the squares and into longer-term accommodations within three months. The transformation of the public spaces was significant, with young people once again able to play soccer in Place St. Pierre, a park that was previously covered by tents.
The psychological impact of the transformation was substantial, with residents expressing relief and happiness at being able to return to their communities. One Pétion-ville resident noted, “It was like losing something really important and then suddenly finding it again. It makes me very happy.” The success of the pilot program has paved the way for the expansion of the initiative, with USAID/OTI coordinating with the U.S. Embassy and international partners to bring the program to scale.
The program’s focus on community development and economic assistance has been critical in ensuring the successful transition of displaced families from temporary shelters to longer-term situations. By providing housing options and supporting community development, USAID/OTI aims to restore normalcy and rebuild communities in Haiti. The initiative has been hailed as a success, with President Michel Martelly and other officials celebrating the completion of the pilot program in November 2011.
The resettlement of internally displaced families remains a paramount concern in Haiti, with thousands of people still in need of assistance. Building on the success of the pilot program, USAID/OTI is working to expand the initiative, with the goal of safely resettling families and restoring communities. The program’s focus on community development and economic assistance has been critical in ensuring the successful transition of displaced families, and its expansion is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of thousands of people in Haiti.