Amid the chaos of displacement, stories of resilience and community emerge from places like the Virginie sans Peur displacement site. This site, like many others, though meant to be temporary refuges, have become makeshift homes where people find new ways to rebuild their lives. Individuals draw strength from each other, showing that even in the harshest of circumstances, hope can persist. 

On a worn blanket in Virginie sans Peur, Solange, a young mother cradles her young son, Frantz, born displaced. Like many youngsters, Frantz has only known displacement, having a home is a concept her mom hopes he will get to experience. Solange fled violence in Carrefour Feuilles more times than she can remember.

I don’t even know how many times we’ve left our home. It’s like we can never stop running.

Her face, lined with worry, reveals the strain of constantly living in survival mode. Yet, her movements are steady and purposeful as she cares for her son, ensuring that he feels as little of their hardship as possible. “He doesn’t understand any of this,” Solange explains, glancing down at him. “And I don’t want him to. He shouldn’t have to.” 

Despite the uncertainty, Solange remains hopeful. Her strength is not just in surviving displacement—it’s in protecting her son’s innocence in a world that threatens to take it from him. “I have to stay strong for him,” she says.

Frantz is all I have left. I need to give him a future, even if that means that we have to keep running for now.

For women like her, the burden of displacement is heavy. But she focuses on giving her son a chance at a future, even if that future is still far from certain. 

The essential work of IOM in Port-au-Prince is significantly supported by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA). With BHA funding, IOM can deliver crucial services such as clean water, sanitation, protection, and mental health support to the displaced communities impacted by violence. This partnership enables IOM to provide life-saving assistance swiftly and effectively, helping families maintain their dignity and resilience as they navigate the challenges of displacement. 

Psychosocial support, a vital component of IOM’s work, helps those traumatized by repeated displacement to process their experiences and regain a sense of control over their lives. This support is critical in helping vulnerable Haitians maintain their mental health and find the strength to continue forward.