In rural Haiti, the challenge of inadequate housing is a daily struggle for many families. With limited resources and supplies, many homes are constructed from mud and sticks, providing little protection against the elements. These makeshift shelters are often less than 300 square feet, crammed with an average of six people. The result? Dirt floors that contribute to a range of illnesses, especially among children, and a lack of essential amenities such as running water and electricity. This harsh reality compounds the difficulties families face, affecting their health, income, and overall quality of life.

Pictured above and below: Typical “stick and mud” house found in Haiti

The Urgent Need for Change

The conditions in these rural homes are more than just uncomfortable—they are dangerous. Dirt floors and inadequate shelter expose families to a range of health issues, with children being particularly vulnerable. The absence of clean living conditions can lead to severe health problems, which in turn can strain family finances and limit the ability of adults to earn a stable income. Furthermore, without access to proper housing, families are often unable to provide a safe and dignified environment for their children.

 Pictured above, left and right: Another glimpse into the living situation for most Haitians

Our Mission: Building Better Lives

We at Many Hands understand that transforming a family’s physical space can have profound effects on their overall well-being. One aspect of our overall mission is to provide families with clean, safe, and durable housing, and the impact is significant. For every home we build or floor we install, we see a remarkable difference:

• 127 Homes Built: Each home offers families a solid foundation, reinforced with cinder blocks, rebar, and a cement floor.
• 1,115 Concrete Floors Installed: These floors dramatically reduce illness and improve living conditions.
• 60 Day Laborers Employed Yearly: We use local labor, creating job opportunities within the community.
• Over $1,000,000 Invested: This investment is a testament to our commitment to improving living conditions in rural Haiti.

Pictured above: Contracted day laborers working on a new building

The Power of a Cement Floor

One of our primary goals is to provide each family with a cement floor. For just $500, we can make a significant difference in a family’s life. Cement floors not only reduce sickness in children but also lower infant mortality rates from preventable diseases and increase school attendance. This simple yet impactful change can save parents on future medical expenses, thereby improving their financial stability.

Building Strong Foundations for the Future

A typical new home in Haiti costs about $6,000. We lay a solid foundation, use cinder blocks to create a strong structure, reinforce walls with rebar, and pour a cement floor. These homes are built to last and provide a safe, clean environment for families. Our commitment doesn’t end once the home is built; we continue to support families through regular visits from Many Hands chaplains and staff, providing food and medical support as needed.

In both of these programs, our use of local labor and resources not only enhances the quality of life for the families but also supports the local economy.

Pictured above: Construction of a cement floor

A Sustainable Approach to Development

The Love in Action model focuses on sustainable development. By strengthening families living in poverty, we give them ownership over their futures. Our approach is designed to rebuild lives, restore families, and renew hope within the community. With each home we build and each floor we install, we take a step towards a brighter, healthier future for rural Haiti.

Pictured above: A Haitian family in front of their freshly-built home

To see the impact of our work and learn more about our initiatives, watch our video here. Together, we can continue to transform lives, one home at a time.

For more information or to get involved, contact Tyler Kamerman at tkamerman@mh4h.org.

Many Hands is an Iowa-based nonprofit creating local and global life-transformation by strengthening families.  Established in 2008, the organization focuses on six key areas for transformation, including education, agronomy, leadership development, safe homes, medical assistance, and economic development. Each year, the organization reaches at least 25,000 people through their Haitian operations, IMPACT trips, and Many Hands four Thrift Markets located in the greater Des Moines, Iowa area. 

Many Hands is called to transform together, to be love in action, in a broken world.