Adelie Jean-Baptiste was forced to leave her home in Port-au-Prince due to gang violence, seeking refuge in precarious conditions at the National School on Route de Frères. Her story highlights some of the challenges faced by those displaced by violence in Haiti, but also their resilience and newly found hope thanks to humanitarian support.

"Life in Port-au-Prince is a daily nightmare. Gangs control my neighborhood, spreading terror among us. I still remember the sleepless nights, the sounds of gunfire, and the cries of distress from my neighbors, which came closer and closer. I thought I was the next victim. I had to flee to save my life, leaving behind everything I had known. Arriving at the National School on the Route de Frères, I found shelter, but every day was a challenge. The conditions were appalling, especially for someone like me who is elderly and no longer has the energy to fend for myself to obtain what is necessary for survival."

Adelie was able to benefit from housing assistance targeted at the most vulnerable people in the sites, including the elderly like herself. She was placed in a rental house where a young woman would share her daily life.

"Now, I will live with this young woman who kindly welcomed me into her home. I feel that I will finally regain some peace. Living alone in the site was difficult. I felt isolated despite the many people around, the sadness often made me cry. Now, I will have someone to talk to and who can also support me. She has already offered to help with daily chores, like grocery shopping. I am grateful for this opportunity to live in a more stable environment."

More than half a million people are displaced in Haiti due to gang violence. The needs have doubled over the year 2024, and the financial support from our donors is still necessary to continue transforming other lives like Adelie's.

"I am deeply grateful for everything that has been offered to me. After experiencing the horror of gangs in my neighborhood, it shows that there are still good people in this world, ready to lend a hand to those in need. I can never thank the IOM enough for their help. I had nothing left, I wouldn't have been able to pay for this new roof."

Adelie remains hopeful that other people in need will receive assistance, just as she did.

"I know I didn't live in a rich country, but I never expected things to deteriorate so much. I am nostalgic for the past. Bicentenaire in Port-au-Prince was once a popular destination for tourists and was also visited by many foreign dignitaries. Now, it's a complete disaster. Vegetation has taken over public buildings, gangs paralyze everything, it's disheartening. I sincerely hope that all the people in need, like me, will receive some help. We all deserve to live in a country where we can look forward with hope, not despair."

Adelie's journey is a testament to how humanitarian support can make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals. It's a poignant reminder of the importance of solidarity and international assistance to help those forced to flee their homes to rebuild their lives with dignity. IOM remains committed to intensifying its efforts both in emergency response to displacement crises and in sustainable stabilization programs.

Since the end of February, IOM provided nearly 5 million liters of clean water directly in sites reaching 25,000 people, rehabilitated 22 water hand pumps. Distribution of blankets, jerry cans, solar lamps, kitchen sets and plastic sheets reached more than 37,000 people.

IOM and partners are also offering psychosocial support through a free of charge hotline and on the ground, as well as deploy mobile clinics to provide medical assistance for 18,000 people.

IOM also provides awareness raising sessions and organized focus group discussions on a wide variety of topics: child protection, mental health, accountability, reproductive health, etc. reaching 14,000 people. The Organization also supports IDPs to leave the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince with transport subsidies and encourages IDPs to find a home through rental subsidies.

IOM urges donors and stakeholders to contribute to tackling the country's most immediate needs and to support the Organization in its provision of humanitarian and protection assistance to the most affected Haitians.