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PORT au PRINCE

     Port-au-Prince is the capital and largest city of Haiti. Growth, especially in crowded slums in nearby plains and hillsides, has raised the population of the Port-au-Prince area to between 2.5 and 3 million. It is located on a bay of the Gulf of La Gonave. The city's layout is somewhat similar to that of an amphitheater; commercial districts are near the water, while residential neighborhoods are located on the hills above.
     Though unemployment is very high in Port-au-Prince, it would be more accurate to say that people are underemployed. Walking down the streets of Port-au-Prince a person cannot help but recognize the extremely high levels of activity, especially among people selling goods and services right off the streets.
     In January, 2010, Port au Prince was struck by a deadly earthquake.  Recovery from this disaster, which will take years, is a focus of the VHP, and hundreds of other worldwide organizations.

The Vermont Haiti Project provides several ongoing activities in Port au Prince, along with the opportunity to explore the city and visit with local schools, orphanages and outdoor shopping.

Desab

     A small rural village located about 40 miles northwest of Port au Prince, Desab is the hub of a nine village cooperative.  Located six miles up a dirt path in the mountains of Haiti, Desab has a schoolhouse, a bakery, a health clinic and a dormitory for volunteers.

     There is no electricity or running water.  People live in wood framed mud huts with thatched roofs.  Families averaging seven people live together.  The average yearly income is about $400.  Diet consists of “pitmil” grain, and spring water of dubious purity.

The Vermont Haiti Project- in partnership with the COTY Project- performs medical service in Desab and nearby villages.  Volunteers also interact with the residents through a number of activities, including music, art, recreation and church.