Haitians Lay Foundation for Hope 5 Years After Earthquake

Despite what some see as slow progress five years after an earthquake rocked Haiti, architect and sustainability consultant Dave Hampton writes about how he and others see hope for the future.

1 minute read

January 21, 2015, 12:00 PM PST

By melaniecj


While many reports reflecting on the fifth anniversary of the earthquake that rocked Haiti Jan. 12, 2010 focused on how the country still lags behind.

For architect Dave Hampton, who traveled to Haiti in the disaster’s wake to work with several organizations, the hope of the next generations working for change is what moves him about the efforts today.

Hampton interviewed several friends, colleagues, and former coworkers from the three years he spent in Haiti, gathering reflections on what they found inspirational about Haiti, and where they see the country going in the future.

As for his own reflections, Hampton said he was moved by seeing some of the projects finished by teams that came in after he left.

“I got to imagine a little bit of my dream – I was something of a stranger in this land, again, as if seeing for the first time the work of Haitians and their counterparts from the international community. But, with a familiar ring.

It was wonderful to see how the next generations continued to grapple with issues, develop solutions, and improve upon ways of doing things since the time I was there.”

Tuesday, January 13, 2015 in UrbDeZine

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 23, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

People walk through Philadelphia International Airport. There is a convince store on the right.

Philadelphia to invest $2 billion into upgrading city airports as PHL places last in customer satisfaction

Modernizations to Philadelphia's airports will include baggage system upgrades and a new automated parking garage guidance system.

September 23 - WHYY

A downtown area in Los Angeles, with a Taco Bell visible. People wait to cross the street towards a tall apartment building.

The LA housing policies making developers turn away from the city

Despite LA’s housing shortage, developers say the city’s "mansion-tax" and pandemic-era policies make it an unappealing place to build housing.

September 23 - Los Angeles Times

People cross a wide street in San Francisco, with tall buildings in the background.

New density bill would require 7 California cities to establish regional transit hubs

The bill would also require major cities in California to permit high-rise residential buildings.

September 23 - Smart Cities Dive