The Fellowship has focused its efforts in the Grand Goave area of Haiti. Eighty percent of the structures in that area were either totally destroyed or severely damaged by the earthquake.

The Haiti Housing Network – a collaboration among the Fellowship, Conscience International, the Fuller Center for Housing and the Baptist General Convention of Texas – is building homes in the Grand Goave area. By the end of 2012, almost 100 houses will have been completed utilizing a technique developed by Conscience International in which the rubble from the earthquake is used as building material. This innovative approach was recently featured on Discovery Channel-Canada and can be seen online. There have also been two houses completed for volunteer teams.

Four Haitians have visited Ethiopia for three months of training in a micro enterprise self-help group initiative. Working initially with Haitian Baptist churches, the trainees will work to form self-help groups for pooling and using their combined resources to develop savings and business opportunities. Churches are currently being enlisted to participate.

Three new water wells have been drilled and pumps installed in the Grand Goave area near a church and volunteer house. The Harwoods are continuing to identify well drilling companies that might provide these services to other parts of the country. They are also coordinating purchase and distribution of pumps and providing installation and maintenance training.

Five classrooms are almost complete for a school in Grand Goave, and foundations have been dug for two more classrooms. Nearly 500 children are enrolled in the school, which is presently operating on a rotating schedule at various locations in the town. The school is composed mostly of street children in the Grand Goave area. Parents and the church contribute to operating expenses, and CBF matches the money raised.

The Grand Goave church needs renovation. Engineers say portions of the building are damaged but not the entire structure. Once a plan has been finalized, funds and engagement teams will be needed to assist with the construction.