Project History:

The earthquake in January 2010 devastated much of the capital of Haiti and surrounding areas, leaving an estimated 300,000 people dead, another 300,000 injured and over one million people homeless. The deaf community living in Port-au-Prince was also severely impacted.

The 410 Bridge is leading an effort to provide a permanently sustainable solution for the deaf displaced by the earthquake. We have developed a strong coalition of partners that includes businesses, philanthropists, foundations, US churches and other service partners to help execute the various components.

The permanent community will be located in Leveque, which is about 45 minutes north of Port-au-Prince. The community will become part of the MOH500 project headed by Mission of Hope (“MOH”). MOH has graciously agreed to welcome the deaf residents into their MOH500 project and will responsible for the design and construction of the various project components.

We are grateful to Mission of Hope and we are pleased to serve as their lead partner in this effort.

Project Objectives:

1. To develop a permanent and sustainable community for the deaf previously living
   in the tented camp and currently residing in the temporary community at La Piste.
2. Mobilize other NGO’s, churches, and supporters to leverage their expertise and
   resources to contribute to the project.
3. Provide life-skills training, adult education, access to quality education for the
   children, and improved health and wellness through clean water and sanitation
   solutions for the community residents.
4. Provide long-term income opportunities and training to ensure the sustainability of
   the community and independence from Western support.

Project Components

Housing:

An estimated 150 homes will be necessary to effectively house the deaf community.  The housing component includes a 3-room home, a 40’x90’ plot, cactus fence, and six fruit trees.
The first set of 50 homes are scheduled to be completed by January 30th, 2012.  Thereafter, 20 homes per month will be completed depending on funding.

Water Solution:

A sustainable solution for potable and non-potable water are necessary.  Potable water solutions include a deep bore-hole, diesel or solar generator, storage tanks and piping.  Non-potable water solutions are needed for cleaning and limited irrigation of kitchen gardens.  Non-potable water may be sourced from an aqueduct that runs near the community.

Church:

The deaf community has expressed a strong desire for a church home within the community itself. As a Christ-centered organization, we share their desire and believe a local church is a critical component to foster spiritual development and outreach to faith seekers.
The proposed church is a 100’ x 40’ block building with stucco finish.  It will be built for 400+ members, but expandable to 600-700 people.

Community Center:

A Community Center will serve as a hub for group activities; offering  space for an assortment of programs and community gatherings.  It will be a multi-use building that can improve their lifestyle and foster a sense of unity within the community.  We envision a large floor plan that includes several rooms for vocational training, education, micro-enterprise work and community meetings.  Other possible uses include day care, nursery school, healthcare and family life activities. Current plans are for a 5,200 ft2 building with eight (8) rooms.

Education:

Of the approximately 50 school-age children currently residing in the camp, only five (5) children are deaf. Hearing children will attend the local MOH primary school. Deaf children may attend deaf schools (if available) or a small learning center may be established within the community center.  Adult literacy classes are also a part of the Education program and will be conducted in the Community Center.

Micro-Enterprise:

Skills training and general business training.  A significant amount of time and resources will be spent in this area to ensure that the proper training, coaching, and resources are provided so that the deaf can sustain themselves over the long term.

Lighting:

Because the deaf communicate visually, community lighting will be necessary.  We anticipate a solar solution throughout the community that can be protected from vandalism and theft.

Roads:

About 200,000 cubic meters of roads will be required for the entire community of Leveque.

Funding Requirements

The table below estimates the funding required for a variety of the project components.  We anticipate the construction components commencing immediately and being completed within 24 months.

Other Program Elements include programs like adult literacy, spiritual development, cultural sensitivity classes between the deaf and the hearing residents, health & wellness seminars, etc. Other Program Elements will also commence as soon as funding is secured, but will continue well beyond the construction phase.

Through the generosity of a family foundation, a matching grant has been secured for the housing component. A total of $600,000 has been committed in matching funds that will be used to build 100 of the 150 homes.

Your immediate support of the non-housing components will allow The 410 Bridge to leverage the matching grant for housing, while making an immediate impact on the variety of other needs that exist in the community.
Contributions can be made payable to The 410 Bridge, 35 Old Canton Street, Alpharetta, GA  30009 or donate online at www.410bridge.org.
Please reference 410 Haiti Deaf Village on the memo line.  The 410 Bridge is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization.
For more information, please email DeafHaiti@410Bridge.org.