Levo’s Recovery Model

August’s 7.2 magnitude earthquake and Tropical Storm Grace were just the latest in a series of tragedies that have struck the small island nation of Haiti.  Already the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, having suffered from centuries of damaging interventions, environmental degradation, Haiti has experienced several years of intensifying political unrest.  The earthquake—which killed nearly 2,200 people, injured more than 12,000, and destroyed or damaged more than 100,000 homes—has left much of the countries southern region desperate for the most basic aid.  Those immediate aid efforts are ongoing, but the situation will take years to recover from.

Before the earthquake, Levo was working to alleviate the growing food insecurity.  In the wake of this most recent natural disaster, it is stepping up its efforts.  In cooperation with our partners on the ground and our Haitian staff, Levo is launching a $2 million dollar program to not just recover, but to put 25,000 people in the affected area on a direct path to recovery. 

Crucially, Levo’s program is directed by people impacted.  Based on the needs assessment from local individuals and organizations, materials are being organized and will soon be shipped by boat directly to the region impacted by the earthquake and hurricane.  Core to the long term strategy, existing staff is already training new team members to deliver food production –not just handouts, but stable fresh food which will be available for harvest in a matter of weeks and form the basis of a community resiliency program. 

Relief is needed, but this won’t be the last challenge that Haiti will face. With your help, we can provide immediate recovery and long term stability with the same efforts.