Evens, 30, lives in Gorgette in the region of Grand’Anse, Haiti, with his mother, Elanie, 62, and his sister Josephie, 7. The family earns a living by making and selling bread. When a powerful earthquake struck Haiti on August 14, Grand’Anse was among the hardest‑hit regions. Evens’ family lost both their home and their small bakery in the destruction.

Recalling that terrifying day, Evens shared, “The walls of our house collapsed, the pillars looked so flimsy, we had to abandon [the house] and run for safety.” Like many families in the area, they were left without a place to live.

Left Without Shelter

After fleeing their damaged home, Evens and his family spent nights outdoors, exposed to the elements. “We [were] out on the street sleeping,” he explained. “It [broke] my heart to see my mother and my little sister spend the night in the open air, braving the cold, drenched in rain; we had nothing to protect ourselves.”

Through World Renew’s emergency response, Evens received a tarp and water‑purifying tablets. When asked how he used the tarp, his face lit up. “I [built] a tent for my mother and sister!” he said proudly—simple materials providing much‑needed safety and dignity in the aftermath of disaster.

Responding to Urgent Needs

In the weeks following the earthquake, World Renew supported thousands of families across affected regions. In the communities of Gorgette and Lescave in Grand’Anse, families received tarps, water purification tablets, food supplies, and hygiene items. In neighbouring Nippes, households facing similar devastation received essential relief items, including shelter materials, food staples, and hygiene and dental care kits. Recognizing the additional challenges faced by women and girls, dignity kits were distributed to help meet personal and health needs.

As conditions evolved, support expanded beyond immediate relief. Families received vegetables, beans, cooking oil, and water storage tanks to help address food insecurity and limited access to clean drinking water. Farming households were also provided with basic tools—machetes, picks, and hoes—so they could begin replanting crops and rebuilding their livelihoods.

World Renew continues to walk alongside Haitian communities as they recover from immense loss. Amid destroyed homes, lost income, and ongoing uncertainty, families like Evens’ demonstrate resilience, hope, and care for one another. As rebuilding continues, we remain committed to supporting the most vulnerable and to sharing compassion, practical help, and hope with those who need it most.