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Home Blog Building Healthy Communities Helping Haiti's people – and its community sector – through micro-finance

Michael Shapcott

Helping Haiti's people – and its community sector – through micro-finance

As the people of Haiti struggle in the aftermath of the terrible earthquake, the community sector has a vital role in meeting the incredible challenges. A strong and vibrant third sector is critical to the health of Haiti (as in all other countries). In addition to the emergency relief being offered by many organizations, the people in Haiti need practical help to re-build their lives, their communities and a truly healthy economy. A number of micro-finance organizations have already been working in Haiti. Here are four that are making a difference: Accion microfinance; FINCA serving the poorest of the working poor; Freedom From Hunger self-help programs; Grameen Foundation moving the poor out of poverty.

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Michael Shapcott

About Michael Shapcott

Michael Shapcott is Director, Affordable Housing and Social Innovation at Wellesley Institute. Michael has worked extensively in Toronto, in many parts of Canada, nationally and internationally on social innovation, the non-profit sector, civic engagement, housing and housing rights, poverty, social exclusion, urban health and health equity. He is recognized as one of Canada’s leading community-based housing and homelessness experts. He is currently on secondment to the Princes' Charities Canada.

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