A tent city in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, after the January 2010 earthquake -- Photo courtesy of www.alertnet.org

October 1, 2010: Eight months after Haiti was struck by one of the world’s worst earthquakes, a sudden storm with high winds shredded more than 5,800 tents housing families who lost homes in the January disaster.

The wind, which gathered like a tornado across Port-au-Prince on Friday, September 24, eroded the small semblance of security that families had been clinging to since January.

Five people were killed by the storm, including two children. According to Reuters, the winds knocked over trees and power poles. Fifty people were injured.

Although casualty numbers are small compared to the estimated 250,000 people killed by Haiti’s powerful earthquake, the latest storm underscores the fact that so many families still lack safe shelter despite promises made by the international community to clear debris and rebuild homes and communities. More than a million Haitians are still living in flimsy, makeshift tent sites. Many have lost hope.

Creating Hope for Children in SOS Children’s Villages

Portrait of two boys and an SOS mother -- Santo after the earthquake

With so many families in despair, children who are brought to SOS Children’s Villages in Haiti -- in Santo and in Cap Haitien -- are very fortunate. There they secure a warm home, full stomachs, and the chance for a brighter future.

At SOS-Santo, near Port-au-Prince, SOS mothers are raising more than 400 children, many of whom lost parental care after the January earthquake. SOS puts great effort into reuniting children with their families and has successfully done so for a subset of children who entered its villages in the wake of the earthquake.

All SOS children receive medical care, education, and psychological attention from physicians, dentists, and nurses. What’s more -- they get love and support from an SOS mother, auntie, and siblings.

Helping Families Beyond SOS Village Borders

Since Haiti’s earthquake, SOS has been getting nutrient-rich food packages to thousands of needy families through more than 130 distribution and community centers. The organization is also giving out food within the tent cities where so many children are living. SOS schools have opened their doors to nearby families.

Months after their world was turned upside down, Haiti’s children still need safe shelter, food, stability, and love. Your support can bring tangible hope to a Haitian boy or girl.

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