Double the Lamps, Double the Light!

Pittsburgh, PA

About Me: SIFE Eco-Market aims to raise $250 or more by the end of the semester to go towards Light Up Haiti. This effort aims to provide solar-powered lamps to homeless women and children in Haiti who are at risk of being subjected to violence in their local community. We will host various events throughout the semester that will be interesting, exciting, but most importantly they will spread news of this worthy cause. Please be sure to come out to our events and make a point to affect positive change in the lives of others!

The earthquake in Haiti has displaced hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom now live huddled together under tarps and tents. Nearly five months after the earthquake, streetlights remain in disrepair and the electrical grid is without much power. The lack of lighting in housing camps exacerbates an already fragile security situation. Women in these camps feel unsafe walking at night, as rape and incidents of physical abuse are rising in number. Community groups in these areas-- labeled “red zones” by international groups shortly after the earthquake-- are only now being approached by relief organizations to improve aid distribution and post-earthquake reconstruction. Citizen Effect is working with Earthspark International to distribute solar-powered lamps to women in these camps, harnessing local community groups to prioritize distribution to those most in need. The initiative focuses on camps located in Cité Soleil, one of the poorest slums in Port-au-Prince and a red zone in which more than half the population feels unsafe at night. Providing adequate lighting for the women of Cité Soleil and greater Port-au-Prince will make it safer for them to travel at night by reducing the possibility of physical abuse from nightly attackers. In addition, female survivors of the earthquake to can be empowered to organize patrols to protect themselves and their families with light from their solar lamps. Ashley is committed to helping the women of Cité Soliel by providing them with the ability to read, work, and conduct activities after sunset with safety and comfort. Ashley has pledged to raise $275 which will provide 20 solar powered lamps to women in need. As one of the camp residents, Madame Pierre, related to EarthSpark: “The lamp is very useful. I use it when I need to go out at night.” Donate to Ashley’s project today and help provide 20 women of Port-au-Prince with a clean and reliable source of light and power.

go to project page