Desperate for help, nearly 1,000 people gathered in an open field and began setting up flimsy shelters, hoping to catch the attention of relief agencies.

People gathered at a local hospital to receive Samaritan’s Purse blankets, shelter materials and hygiene kits.

A wall and part of the roof collapsed in Joseph St. John’s bedroom, but his wife and five children were not injured. “I can’t live in my house, but I don’t have any place to go,” he said. “I would like to stay here and rebuild.”

Haitian children fall into step with U.S. soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division who are helping to maintain the peace and provide security for relief distributions.

Pastor Jacky Delice created a shelter for more than 500 people using Samaritan’s Purse plastic sheeting.

Children still wander in and out of damaged homes, searching for belongings.

As makeshift camps spring up, Samaritan’s Purse helps cover the wooden frames with plastic sheeting to shelter families from the wind and rain.