G-2109-17206

Ayiti Demen is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that supports FOKAL, a private foundation in Haiti. Ayiti Demen aims to support organizations, projects, and initiatives providing human development and economic sustainability to local communities and civil society organizations in Haiti.

This investment, through the Emergent and Relief Fund, supports the disaster relief efforts in Haiti after the recent earthquake. The earthquake hit in the southern peninsula, and was devastating to Haiti, with over 2,000 people dead and 12,000 injured. Ayiti Demen is the U.S. based partner organization of FOKAL, based in Haiti, and these two partner organizations have been working on mobilizing relief efforts through local organizations in Haiti. They have gotten a preliminary assessment of the damage in the area through their local network and have created a response strategy based on the greatest need. They have been working with over 20 organizations and aim to support about 15,000 families. They have been following a two-phased approach: the first phase is a rapid response to transfer funds, resources, food, and shelter to those on the ground to meet their immediate needs. The second phase is to provide additional assistance to grassroots organizations and small businesses so they can move towards regaining full production capacity and also implement community resources such as water treatment programs. The budget of $25,000 goes directly toward the relief work.