Marie Jeanne Montrose, a widow with four children, is among the many displaced individuals in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Violence and gang activity have forced thousands to leave their homes and seek refuge in temporary camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs). Marie Jeanne recounted her experience: “I lived in the lower downtown, and the gangs killed people,” describing how she had no choice but to abandon her home.
Upon arriving at the camp, Marie Jeanne faced significant challenges due to overcrowding and lack of basic necessities like clean water and shelter. The situation was dire until interventions funded by the World Bank began to improve conditions. The Decentralized, Sustainable, and Resilient Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project supports better living conditions through an agreement between DINEPA and UNICEF. This initiative aims to provide access to safe drinking water, improved sanitation, and hygiene.
“With this project, we have water, toilets, and we’ve learned how to wash our hands and keep the site clean,” said Marie Jeanne. The project has delivered over one million liters of clean water across 18 IDP sites in Port-au-Prince. Facilities such as toilets have been constructed or rehabilitated, enhancing safety for families. Training on chlorination of water storage points has been provided alongside hygiene kits distribution.
The project's comprehensive Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) response addresses urgent needs while contributing to sustainable development goals in Haiti. Marie Jeanne highlighted the sense of security restored by these improvements: “We now sleep well, and our kids are safe.” She expressed hope for rebuilding her life through this support: “Our children are safe, I can say now.”
The project not only offers practical assistance but also restores dignity for displaced families. Marie Jeanne voiced her trust in ongoing support: “I count on this organization, and I will continue to put my hope on this project that gives us support in the IDP sites.”