Haiti families helped by Twin Cities Habitat volunteers

Bercy, Pari, and Paulette—Habitat homeowners

Employment is the key issue, dilemma and desire of our new friend Bercy. He is working this week as the family representative for House #217. From the start, he explains that he is very poor and wants to work to support his son, Pari, and his sister, Paulette, but that opportunities to earn money are scarce or nonexistent. We learn that others in the Santo community often provide food and other necessities for Bercy’s family, but he is dissatisfied with that situation! Bercy has lived elsewhere in Haiti recently, seeking opportunities to work, and it is unclear to us whether he will live in the house with Paulette and Pari or leave the area to try to find work.

Bercy’s situation concerns us all. When he brings Pari to the work site midweek to meet us, the bond between father and young son is apparent. When we meet Paulette on Friday at the house dedication, her gentle and dignified manner moves our entire team! We hesitate to inquire about their current living conditions or other family members; many Haitians lost family members in the January, 2010, earthquake—some speak openly about it, but others do not.

What we do know for certain about Bercy is that he is a quick learner, a hard worker, and a caring father and brother. He never hesitates to climb to the top of the roof, work from the scaffolding, construct a wall, or perform any needed task. At first, our communication is halting, but we soon discover that Bercy knows more English words than we know words in Creole, and he patiently teaches us a few Creole phrases.

A memorable moment for our build team was when Bercy realized that his new home would include one interior room complete with a door. His delight was evident as he insisted on building the walls himself, with a bit of assistance and guidance from our house leader, Tom. --Sharon and Barry Mason

Reflection from November 8th, 2011

Reflection from November 9th, 2011

Reflection from November 10th, 2011

Reflection from November 11, 2011 (Final Reflection)

Read about the Habitat Haiti Families