This phenomenon stems from the mass displacement caused by gang violence, which has forced thousands to flee their homes and seek refuge in safer areas.
Key Issues:
- Exorbitant Rent Hikes:
- Some landlords have doubled rents, taking advantage of high demand in “safe” zones. For example, modest housing costs have surged to around $3,000 USD, an unaffordable sum for most Haitians living on less than $2 a day.
- Tenants report annual rent increases, with some describing these practices as abusive.
- Displacement and Overcrowding:
- Gang violence has displaced over a million people in recent years, with 11,000 fleeing Poste Marchand alone in December 2024.
- Overcrowded areas struggle to meet the demand for housing, further driving up rental prices.
- Landlord Reluctance:
- Many property owners refuse to rent out homes due to fears of inadvertently housing gang members. This mistrust exacerbates the housing shortage.
- Economic Hardship:
- Rising unemployment and inflation have compounded the crisis, making basic necessities like housing unattainable for many families.
Broader Context:
The insecurity stems from gang activities controlling up to 85% of Port-au-Prince, leading to widespread violence, looting, and territorial expansion. Efforts by law enforcement and international missions have been insufficient to restore stability. Meanwhile, displaced families live in subhuman conditions in reception centers with limited resources.
This housing crisis highlights the intersection of economic exploitation and humanitarian catastrophe in Port-au-Prince, leaving vulnerable populations trapped between violence and unaffordable living conditions.