Home sweet home

Traditional construction on the left with the concrete house on the right

Five or six years ago the area around Jean Rabel was ravaged by hurricanes. As part of the relief efforts a Spanish organization gave $100,000 to build houses for the people. The RJM Sisters in Jean Rabel helped facilitate the project and were able to build 20 houses with the original grant. Through their connections with the local community they continue to identify families who they feel would most benefit from a house. Families with special needs children are given priority. Large families are also given priority. The family receiving the house is asked to contribute about $1000 while the remaining $5000 is provided through various grants. To date the Sisters have been involved in the building of approximately 500 houses in the Jean Rabel area. The walls are constructed of rocks taken from the area or concrete block. The roof is tin. The houses are very simple, often two or three rooms; about 400-500 square feet.

Home owner and a friend in front of his house made from local stone 

A family (plus one neighbor child) and Sr. Rose on their front porch

 I have visited a number of the homes the Sisters helped build. The people take great pride in their homes and are much appreciative. A sturdy home in Haiti provides not only shelter but helps boost self esteem and economic stability.