The new life opportunity of Marie Emilia

The new life opportunity of Marie Emilia

In Belekou, a neighborhood of Cité Soleil, a young woman named Marie Emilia endured hard times in her community. Driven out by armed gangs and facing daily violence she sought refuge at the Delmas 3 site. Despite hardships, Marie Emilia never lost hope and dreamed of a better future for herself and her family.

One day, Marie Emilia heard about an aid program implemented by IOM, that aimed at assisting displaced and vulnerable individuals living in unsafe neighborhoods or inadequate conditions, by giving them the opportunity to move to a safer and more stable environment.

“After hearing about the rental subsidies offered by IOM, I decided to try my luck and I submitted my application. I couldn’t believe it when they told me I was selected! It was truly a moment of relief. I finally saw a glimmer of hope in my life.” said Marie Emilia.

To her relief, Marie Emilia was selected as beneficiary of the program. Registered to identify her family members and dependents, she received from IOM a card with a unique number, guaranteeing confidentiality and personalized services. She learned the importance of selecting a new home carefully, understanding the criteria for comfortable and safe living while shouldering the responsibilities of a tenant.

Negotiations between Marie Emilia and a prospective landlord were facilitated by IOM, ensuring a fair agreement that benefited both parties. To formalize the process, a lease contract was prepared and signed in triplicate: one copy for the landlord, one for Marie Emilia, and one for the IOM. This commitment to transparency and legal certainty provided a solid foundation for her new life.

“I received the support for the payment of the 50,000 HTG of the leasing contract, for which IOM paid entirely in my presence to the landlord, securing for me a new house for me and my children. I also received IOM 18,500 HTG; this provided me essential financial support and stability during the transition to my new life” said Marie Emilia, describing her experience of receiving a rental subsidy.

As a former displaced but still vulnerable woman, Marie Emilia decided to allocate a portion of the means of subsistence payment towards starting a small business. Her entrepreneurial spirit kicked in as she seized the opportunity to create a sustainable income for her family. This humble endeavor was a testament to her resilience and determination to shape a better future for herself and her loved ones.

Marie Emilia’s journey exemplifies the transformative impact of humanitarian initiatives such as the IOM's rental subsidy program. Her story resonates as a testament to the power of hope, resilience, and unwavering support for IDPs in Haiti. Through the IOM's support and closeness, Marie Emilia found security, stability, and the means to turn her hope into reality. Her tale of triumph serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, a better future is within reach with the support of organizations such as the IOM.