Building Solutions for Haiti’s Kids Part 2: Overview. Extreme Makeover for Haitian Orphanages: First we identify a distressed orphanage. Next we come up with a renovation plan. When we arrive in Haiti we move quickly. We hire local labor and purchase materials from local hardware suppliers to support the local community. We establish independent power supply, clean water supply, sanitation and fresh paint. We optimize use of open and shared space by creating storage solutions and upgrading bedrooms and living areas. We replace toilets and sinks. We install landscaping and flood management solutions, sewage tank remediation and create play structures. We do kitchen upgrades and install mosquito screens on the windows and ramps for wheelchair access. We also install satellite dishes and provide donated laptops for internet access. Our renovation goal is to improve the quality of life for the children and their care givers in all these areas. The cost for a renovation is a fraction of the cost of building in the United States and the payoff is immeasurable.
We have met so many amazing children in Haiti. Many of these orphans are not parentless or family-less, merely abandoned or displaced. Oftentimes the family believes their child’s chances are better at an orphanage than at home. That is the state of the world in impoverished Haiti. It will be our honor to profile some of the children we meet in Haiti. John, seen in our January 2010 video, has a remarkable story as does Melissa, who is learning to walk after multiple surgeries.
Our goal at Haiti Orphan Rescue Program is simple: serve the children of Haiti as best we can. For everyone including our Haitian partners, this is a journey to create hope from tragedy and to support some of the most fragile human beings on earth when they most need it. If you contribute to our work not only will you be helping children but you will journey with us and share what will be no doubt an amazing experience.
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Gallery: Video and Photos tell the story
Builder’s Forum Join us as we discuss how to remodel and rebuild shelter for Haiti’s children.
Michael Mahon, Chairman, Blog
Michael Rath, Vice Chairman, Blog
Andrea Deluca Mahon, Co-founder, Blog
Heather Gail George, Contributor, Blog
Voices from Haiti, Blog
HORP on facebook
HORP on Twitter
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Personal Property is not common in Haitian orphanages. We wanted the kids at MHO to have something they can call their own. We gave them all backpacks filled with surprises like picture books about adventurers, animals, flashlights and radios... some new clothes and most importantly, photographs of friends and of themselves.
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