After Hurricane Maria: “Whole Families were Sharing Only One Meal A Day”
The Dominican Republic, located in the heart of the Caribbean, is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, tropical cyclones, and earthquakes. With poor infrastructure and limited government support, local livelihoods, especially those living in the poorest pockets of the province of Monte Cristi, are devastated every time disasters occur. Among the most vulnerable are older people, who account for 10% of the country’s population. By 2050, the population of older Dominicans will double, with 1 in 5 people over the age of 60. [1]
Strengthening our Impact through Partnerships
After Hurricane Maria struck in the fall of 2017, HelpAge partnered with Habitat for Humanity in the Dominican Republic to repair and rebuild the homes of older people in the towns of Castañuelas, Buen Hombre, and Palo Verde. As part of the reconstruction, we’re fortifying homes to withstand future disasters and ensuring they are all accessible for people with disabilities. The project is set to be completed this July, just in time for the next hurricane season.
One of the few NGOs working in the Area on Hurricane Recovery
In addition to home reconstruction, HelpAge has also partnered with a local NGO, Fundación NTD Ingredientes Through this partnership, HelpAge will support close to 900 older people and their families, with cash assistance. Existing poverty in the area coupled with the devastation of the hurricane left a great number of older people vulnerable and without support. Whole families fell into absolute poverty, sharing one meal a day. Of the older population in this area, most have no stable source of income and around half are living with a chronic illness.
Whole families fell into absolute poverty, sharing only one meal a day.
Hope is on the Horizon
As one of the few NGOs currently working to serve these communities, HelpAge hopes that the project can bring attention to the continuing recovery needs of the area, especially those of older people who are often overlooked in humanitarian and development programs.
We’re continuing to monitor the impact of the cash distribution and home reconstruction programs. Any insights will go toward improving implementation and future HelpAge programs. Stay tuned to learn more about how HelpAge is working with older people and their families to rebuild their lives.
About HelpAge USA
HelpAge USA is the U.S. affiliate of HelpAge International, a global non-profit dedicated to advancing the well-being and inclusion of older people. Through our global network of over 120 partners and affiliates in over 70 countries, HelpAge implements programs and policies that improve the health and livelihoods of older people in poor communities. From advocating for the rights of older people to improving healthcare access, HelpAge works to ensure everyone who reaches old age can live a healthy, safe, and secure life. To learn more about HelpAge programs as well as the health and humanitarian challenges of an aging world, visit www.helpageusa.org.
[1] Inclusion and participation of older people in humanitarian response and sustainable food security programs in rural communities of the Dominican Republic. Servicio Social de Iglesias Dominicanas (SSID). 2018.
