Clean Water for Haiti (CWH) is a volunteer run, faith based missions and humanitarian aid organization started in 2001. As a registered non-profit organization in Canada and the US, CWH works to provide sustainable solutions to the water crisis in Haiti.

Through Biosand filter projects CWH is able to provide a simple, effective, and affordable solution to the lack of clean water sources for Haitian families. The household slow sand Biosand filter is a simple design that uses basic readily available materials, allows for easy production, and is easy to transport. There are no moving parts, they do not require electricity and can be used by even the youngest members of the family. With minimal maintenance a Biosand filter can work effectively for over 20 years and we can produce, deliver and install filters for our community filter project for about $40 US.(Please see our training section for more information about how your organization can provide filters for the area of Haiti that you are working in).

CWH staff provide essential education and support to filter recipients and their communities. By educating people in proper filter use and good sanitation and hygiene practices, we are able to give them resources, not only for clean water, but also so they can take proactive steps to prevent the spread of disease which gives them control over their own health.

On January 12 life in Haiti changed for millions when a 7.0 earthquake hit. Most of Port au Prince, the country’s capital, and surrounding areas were destroyed. In an effort to help earthquake victims Clean Water for Haiti has been installing groups of filters near refugee camps to serve as water stations so those that have been displaced have a place to treat whatever water is available to them. We have also continued our work in the other communities that we were previously serving. Since the earthquake we have installed over 400 filters in affected areas. We want to thank everyone who has contributed to this effort. Your gifts have helped us give people access to clean water, something that we believe is a right of every person. Donations can be given through the website by visiting the Donate page, or by mailing donations to one of the addresses listed there. All gifts are tax deductible.

It’s our dream to see all Haitian families having access to clean water, but we know we can’t do it on our own. Several times each year we host week long Technician Training classes for other organizations so they can start their own Biosand filter project in the communities they are working in. Students learn about water contamination, water treatment, how to build, install and maintain the filters, and the necessary tools to provide good user education. Students will also learn about the necessary steps of starting and maintaining a successful filter project. For more information about what is involved in starting a filter project please contact Chris Rolling at info@cleanwaterforhaiti.org. To register your organization for an upcoming training class please contact Leslie Rolling at office@cleanwaterforhaiti.org.

As much as we can tell you about Haiti and the work we do here, the best way for you to really understand is to come and see firsthand what life is like here. We are inviting people to join us at our mission base in Pierre Payen, Haiti on what we call “Vision Trips”.

Taking a step away from the general concept of a “missions trip” (a visit to a country or organization aimed at helping those in need by doing projects etc.) these one week visits are designed to immerse you into everything that CWH is and give you a vision for what we do. Described by one of our visitors as “the best week of my life” we know that our Vision Trips weeks will be an experience not easily forgotten. While staying with us in our newly rebuilt dormitories you will have opportunity to work alongside our staff as they build, deliver and install Biosand filters to local Haitian families. By keeping teams small with no more than 6 people in each group we can ensure that you will see firsthand the needs of Haiti and how important the gift of clean water is for the people that live here. Our hope is that after a week living and working with us you will develop a love for Haiti and a desire to share what we do with others. Having people who are passionate about what we do is priceless in our fundraising and awareness efforts as we continue to grow and expand our work here.

Vision Trip dates for 2010:

March 20-27, 2010

June 19-26, 2010

August 7-14, 2010

October 9-16, 2010*

Note: If you have a group (6 people or less) that is interested in coming, but the above dates don’t work for you, please contact us to see if we have other weeks available for you to visit.

Cost: $500 US per person. This includes all food, accommodation and in country transportation. All Vision Trippers are responsible for booking their own airfare, but we will assist you with travel arrangements where possible.

If you’re over the age of 18, have a desire to see things first hand, and are interested in what we do please consider joining us for a week this year. For more information or to register please contact Leslie Rolling at office@cleanwaterforhaiti.org. We look forward to seeing you in Haiti!