Haiti – From a young age, Rose knew she wanted to help others. This drive led her to spend over four years volunteering with the Haitian Red Cross before joining the International Organization for Migration (IOM). For her, it has always been about making life better for people in need, especially in a country like Haiti where so many face challenges every day.
Civil protection staff work alongside IOM, community leaders, partners, and local authorities to assess the needs of displaced families in Haiti’s capital. Photo: IOM/Antoine Lemonnier
Haiti, often called the “Pearl of the Antilles,” is a place of beauty and resilience. But it is also a country grappling with tough problems like political instability, disasters, and poverty. These struggles have forced many people to leave their homes, creating a growing need for help and support.
During her 14 years with IOM, Rose has seen some heartbreaking situations. She remembers families fleeing gang violence, arriving at shelters with nothing but the clothes on their backs. “Every face tells a story,” she says. “It’s impossible to forget the look of relief when someone feels safe again.”
Moments like these make the hard work worth it. Rose recalls a mother who finally moved into safe housing thanks to IOM’s rental assistance programme. “She told me, ‘This is the first time in years I’ve been able to sleep without fear,’” Rose recalls. For this woman and her daughters, it wasn’t just about having a roof over their heads – it was about reclaiming dignity and hope for the future.
The challenges on the ground
Haiti has been dealing with crises for years, making it harder for the government to meet the growing needs of its people. Humanitarians like Rose face big hurdles – limited resources, logistical problems, and ongoing violence. Families often flee their homes with nothing, ending up in overcrowded shelters where IOM’s support is a lifeline.
Displaced people gather as IOM conducts a needs assessment in a displacement site. These evaluations, critical for understanding the scale and complexity of the crisis, inform distributions of essential items such as blankets, kitchen sets, and water containers. Photo: IOM/Antoine Lemonnier
Despite the obstacles, Rose and her colleagues find ways to make a difference. Thousands of people have moved from displacement sites into secure housing. “It’s not just a roof. It is a chance to rebuild their lives,” Rose explains. Children are getting back to school, and mobile clinics are providing health care in places that need it most.
Working with local authorities, IOM has also created safe spaces for displaced people and students by rehabilitating shelters. “Every step we take may seem small, but together, they create lasting change,” Rose reflects.
Why the world needs to care
Establishing trust and clear communication with communities is key to ensuring that the distribution process is orderly and inclusive. Photo: IOM/Antoine Lemonnier
Haitians are incredibly strong, but they are facing challenges no one can successfully face alone. Families are struggling, and kids are growing up in tough conditions. The world can’t look away. These aren’t just numbers – they’re real people with hopes and dreams.
Rose’s work shows how powerful solidarity can be. “Sometimes, a kind word or a listening ear can make all the difference,” she says. Her story is proof that when we come together, we can bring some light to even the hardest situations.
Haiti’s recovery is not just about aid – it is about empowering people to rebuild their lives. Everyone has a role to play, whether it is donating, advocating, or simply spreading awareness. Every bit of help counts.
Rose interviews a displaced person to identify vulnerabilities within the community. The needs assessment focuses on understanding gaps in shelter, sanitation, and health services, enabling aid efforts to be tailored to address these gaps effectively. Photo: IOM/Antoine Lemonnier
For Rose, working with IOM is more than just a job – it’s a mission. “This work reminds me why I started,” she says. “It is about supporting people through the process of reclaiming their dignity.”
Despite the challenges, Haiti’s strength shines through. With the support of organizations like IOM and people around the world, it is possible to rebuild hope and futures. Rose’s journey reminds us that even in the hardest times, we can make a difference, one step at a time.
This vital work would not be possible without the unwavering support of the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). Their commitment ensures that critical programmes – such as emergency assistance, migrant assistance, and other vital services – continue to reach the most vulnerable. Through ECHO’s partnership, humanitarians like Rose are able to extend a lifeline to families in need, reaffirming that solidarity and collaboration can overcome even the toughest challenges.
This story was written by Antoine Lemonnier, IOM Haiti Communications Officer.
