Grant Date: September 2021
Amount: $14,864

Haiti International Friendship Amateur Radio Club, in coordination with the president of the Radio Club d’Haiti, has identified a gap in emergency communication in Haiti. After devastation from the recent 7.2 magnitude quake on August 14, 2021, some areas are cut off and emergency responders do not have information on damage and needs. This lack of communication hinders the ability of responders to deal with the humanitarian crisis. Digital communications are extremely difficult or impossible to maintain during emergencies due to the lack of regular access to electricity and fragile infrastructure. Establishing an HF network will address this gap in communications.

With this grant from ARDC, Haiti International Friendship Amateur Radio Club will purchase supplies for six new HF stations and will assist with deployment on-ground. Funds will be used to purchase as many supplies as possible in Haiti to support local businesses.

Update

The Haiti Emergency Communication Network project, originally designed to prepare for national disasters, has become a crucial resource amid ongoing instability. With no national VHF networks and a reliance on HF communication, the project aimed to establish a reliable emergency network. The solar-powered stations have been successfully operating on 40m, providing critical communication across the country. The decision to power the stations with solar energy has proven essential, keeping the network operational despite the lack of electricity and fuel.

Learn more: https://m.facebook.com/HIFARC/