FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the Kay Tita Resource Center.

What is the Kay Tita Community Resource Center?

The Kay Tita Community Resource Center is a sustainable hub in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, designed to provide resources, programming, and space for Haitian entrepreneurs, creatives, and local residents to connect, learn, and thrive. Founded in 2010 in response to the devastating earthquake, Kay Tita has since become a vital force in rebuilding and reimagining Haiti’s entrepreneurial landscape. Since 2016, the organization has supported thousands of Haitian entrepreneurs through the co-creation of Impact Hub Port-au-Prince, Startup Week Port-au-Prince, the ZEL Entrepreneurship Development Program, and many other community-driven initiatives. The construction of this space is the next chapter in what we believe is needed in the revitalization of Port-au-Prince — a model for development that is rooted in dignity, resilience, and local leadership.The Kay Tita Community Resource Center is a sustainable hub in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, designed to provide resources, programming, and space for entrepreneurs, creatives, and local residents to connect, learn, and thrive.

Where is the Center located?

The Center is located in the heart of Bois Verna area. (Downtown Port-au-Prince)

Why is Kay Tita aiming to meet the Living Building Challenge?

Port-au-Prince was originally designed for just 250,000 people, yet today it holds more than ten times that population — straining infrastructure, housing, and public services. At Kay Tita, we believe rebuilding must go beyond repair. By pursuing the Living Building Challenge, we’re creating Haiti’s first regenerative community space — one that generates its own power, manages its own water, and centers community ownership. This project is more than a building; it’s a beacon for what’s possible. We aim to set a precedent for future development in Port-au-Prince and across Haiti — one that is resilient, just, and rooted in local leadership.

What is the Living Building Challenge?

The Living Building Challenge (LBC) is the most rigorous sustainable building certification in the world. It requires buildings to generate more energy than they use, collect and treat their own water, and be built using non-toxic, locally sourced materials. It’s about creating spaces that are regenerative, not just less harmful.

How can I support the Resource Center?

You can support by: Donating to our capital campaign, Becoming a partner or sponsorVolunteering your expertise, Sharing our story with your network.

What is the Living Building Challenge?

What are the “Petals” of the Living Building Challenge (LBC)?

The Living Building Challenge organizes its sustainability goals into seven performance categories called Petals, each representing a key aspect of regenerative building:Place – Encourages building in harmony with the natural ecosystem and community context.Water – Requires net positive water use, meaning the building must collect and treat its own water.Energy – Demands net positive energy production using renewable sources like solar.Health & Happiness – Prioritizes healthy indoor environments, natural daylight, fresh air, and spaces that promote well-being.Materials – Restricts toxic materials (like PVC) and encourages use of safe, local, and responsibly sourced materials.Equity – Promotes inclusion, universal access, and fair labor practices.Beauty – Encourages thoughtful, inspiring, and culturally rich design.These Petals are the foundation of the Living Building philosophy — pushing beyond sustainability toward buildings that actively give back to people and planet.

What makes this Center different from others?

Kay Tita’s Center is a one-of-a-kind establishment — community-led, climate-resilient, and deeply rooted in local Haitian context. It integrates cultural preservation, entrepreneurship, and regenerative design to foster lasting change. In a city where many buildings take a defensive stance, the Center flips the norm — embracing openness, accessibility, and deep connection to community. With the goal of becoming a model for future construction and redevelopment, this space leads the charge in reimagining what development in Port-au-Prince can look like when it is driven by dignity, sustainability, and local leadership.

What programs will be offered?

Programs will include:Entrepreneurship training and mentorshipTech and innovation labs (including digital literacy & data science)Youth leadership developmentWorkforce DevelopmentRavine Rehabilitation Center Co-working

How is the Resource Center being funded?

The project is supported through a mix of philanthropic donations, private partnerships, in-kind support, diaspora-led initiatives, impact investors, and a multi-year capital campaign. If you fit into one of these categories and want to support, please reach out to us at livingbuilding@kaytita.org.

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Impact Hub

Impact Hub Port-Au-Prince takes an authentic approach to developing community, inspiring members through sustainable practices. Emphasizing progressive inclusivity and transparency, Impact Hub aims to preserve and expand Port-Au-Prince’s creative and thriving entrepreneurial culture. We hope to reach maximum effectiveness with the intentional practice of accountability. Guided by love, respect, honor, and trust, we always seek to refine, elevate, and restore the health of our community.

Infinitum Humanitarian Systems

will direct a training and operations program within Impact Hub called GeoHaiti. GeoHaiti trains adults on geospatial information systems (GIS) that serve to improve community disaster resilience. Training topics include community communications, water and sanitation management, environmental preservation, public health measures, community disease surveillance, sustainable infrastructure, and hazard analysis.

Living Building Challenge

Kay Tita will be the greenest commercial building in Haiti since it will be constructed according to The Living Building Challenge (LBC) standards, considered the most rigorous environmental performance standard. People from around the world use this regenerative design framework to create spaces that produce more energy than they utilize.

MUCE

MUCE EDUCATES is an organization co-founded by Barthelemy Mervil, David Pierre-Louis’ brother, and utilizes arts promote intercultural exchange and to bring an end to cyclical poverty. MUCE is committed to teaching the visual arts to youth in urban areas so that they may compete in the global market. The organization provides educational workshops and opportunities for the emerging labor force with an emphasis on production in arts and culture.

Haiti Coffee Co

Haiti Coffee Co. is a U.S. based company that imports Haitian Coffee while working towards infrastructure development that directly benefits the farmers from whom they source. The organization provides solutions that address deforestation, environmental sustainability, agriculture training, and infrastructure development.

Impact Bio Energy

Seattle‐based startup, Impact Bioenergy, manufactures and sells bioenergy systems that convert organic waste materials into renewable natural gas and fertilizer with zero waste.

Ambient Water

Ambient Water (formerly AWG International) is Washington state based company that uses a patented technology that transforms humidity into an abundant source of safe, clean water.

Startup Week

Startup Week brings entrepreneurs, local leaders, and friends together over five days to build momentum for their vision for change.

The DoSchool

The DoSchool develops experiential learning programs centered around innovation and facilitates opportunities for entrepreneurs to move from ideation to implementation.

Yes Baby I Like It Raw

Yes Baby I Like it Raw helps people tap into their raw potential and “process the unprocessed life” by developing health and wellness programming such as yoga meditation, and nutrition.

Days for Girls

Days for Girls puts freedom and opportunity back into the hands of women and girls by providing sustainable hygiene solutions.