NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - It’s been more than a week since a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, and the remote region of Duchity is in desperate need of aid.

“We don’t have an official tally, but somewhere in the 90 to 95 percent of homes were totally destroyed,” Caitlin McConnell, co-founder of The Center for Love and Hope, said. “So you’re talking about an entire community that’s literally just living out on the streets and in the elements right now.” 

What You Need To Know

  • The region of Duchity in Haiti was devestated by the recent earthquake
  • Most of the homes are destroyed, along with the drinking water system and main road
  • A North Adams couple is working to bring aid to the region through their non-profit
  • They're raising money to buy food, water, and temporary shelter

McConnell and her husband, Cherly Dorvilier, a native of Duchity, co-founded The Center for Love and Hope as a non-profit to bring aid to the region.

In addition to homes being destroyed, McConnell said the area’s drinking water system is gone and the main road to nearby cities is blocked.

The people of Duchity are telling her it’s worse than when Hurricane Matthew hit the region in 2016.

“You have warning of a hurricane,” McConnell said. “So you can make plans, you can save things, you can put things in the safest place possible. You can, you know, secure your house as best as you’re able with the means that you have. With an earthquake, there’s no warning.”

It’s been difficult to get aid to the region because it’s so isolated. Right now, they’re working to raise money to try to bring in the basic necessities.

“People need shelter over their heads today,” said McConnell. “People need food in their bellies today. People need access to clean drinking water today.”

Anyone who wants to help to donate or reach out can do so at thecenterforloveandhope.org.