Remittance flows are essential to Haiti with approximately US$1.87billion sent in 2008, accounting for 26% of the country’s GDP. Following the January 12^th earthquake, remittances are likely to play a key role in the relief and recovery effort, as the most expedient form of getting funds directly to individuals in need. Fonkoze is the third largest payer of remittances in Haiti and the primary disburser of remittances in rural areas. In addition, the Haitian Diaspora are substantial donors to Fonkoze. Typically, Fonkoze pays out $50,000 - $60,000 transfers per month (in a normal market) and has savings accounts for 200,000 very low income savers. It usually pays out remittances through their 42 locations throughout the country; of these four have been completely destroyed and others have been significantly damaged.

For business to resume throughout the country, Fonkoze is in need of the following: certain locations need temporary facilities, IT/communications support, transport facilities for credit officers to reach clients in areas hardest hit by the earthquake where branches have been destroyed (Bizoton, Leogane) or have been badly damaged (e.g Miragoane, Jacmel) and counseling sessions to staff that need to secure their own situations in order to work productively under difficult conditions.