After the earthquake: Healing older people in Haiti

On 12 January 2010, a devastating earthquake hit Haiti, impacting on the lives of almost 200,000 older people.

Over the past two years, HelpAge has been working with local partners  – providing shelter, food, healthcare, psychological support and work opportunities to help older people get back on their feet.

But the key to older people's recovery in Haiti is older people themselves.

Haiti now

An older man in Haiti. Photo: Frederic Dupoux/HelpAge International.

We've helped 25,000 older people and their families to recover since the earthquake struck two years ago.

Read more about HelpAge's work in Haiti.

Healing Haiti

Older woman in Haiti. (c) Frederic Dupoux/HelpAge International.

Surviving an ordeal like the Haiti earthquake is a traumatic experience.

Find out how our psychosocial work helps ease the trauma for older people in camps in Haiti.

Meet Gilbert

Gilbert reading his Bible. (c) Frederic Dupoux/HelpAge InternationalGilbert, 66, lives alone in a tent since the earthquake destroyed his home. He is a carpenter, but business is scarce.

He was part of our cash transfer scheme and received a Tough Stuff kit, including a lamp.

He said: "The cash transfer was useful. I could buy food in advance knowing that I would have money."

However, life is still a struggle. There is no water where he lives and he can't afford to rebuild his house. 

Read Gilbert's story.

Haiti slideshow

Watch our slideshow to see how we are supporting older Haitians as they play an active role in rebuilding their country.

Donate now to help older people in Haiti.

Read our Haiti blog.

Our work in Haiti is funded by Age UK (through the DEC), HelpAge USA, AARP, HelpAge Deutschland.

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