Stacy Librandi’s Journey: From Disaster Volunteer to Leading Haiti’s Emergency Services

In 2010, Stacy Librandi began her unexpected adventure in disaster relief upon arriving in Haiti. At Port-au-Prince airfield, she faced thousands living under harsh conditions due to a magnitude 7 earthquake. Despite being untrained, she brought only camping supplies and planned a short stay. Sixteen years later, Librandi leads the Humanitarian Emergency Response Organization (HERO), Haiti’s key medical emergency service.

Entering Disaster Relief

Before HERO, Librandi was born in San Diego and adopted as a baby. Her childhood was unconventional, quitting school early to live as a nomad. She married at 19, moved to the Bronx, had three children, and attempted a photography business. A fire in 2009 left her with few possessions and prompted her to reflect on her life. When disaster struck Haiti in January 2010, Librandi made a pivotal decision to volunteer.

Once in Haiti, she found rotting supplies on the airfield and began organizing aid distribution. Her approach quickly proved effective, leading volunteers by example. The success of her methods spread, influencing others at the airfield.

Building HERO

Librandi saw the necessity for organized emergency services and began to form HERO. Initially living modestly, she gathered local support and met international aid organizations. She developed a 911 membership service, offering low-cost ambulance services to all. Despite skepticism, she persisted, and with HERO’s first ambulance donated in 2012, the efforts expanded rapidly. Partnerships with large entities enabled HERO to grow, providing essential emergency responses.

Coralie Caze, HERO’s general manager, noted HERO’s ability to adapt quickly to Haiti’s unique needs.

Adapting Amid Political Unrest

In 2021, political turmoil shook Haiti, with the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. Gangs blocked critical infrastructure, cutting off access to essential supplies. HERO adapted, using helicopters for evacuations and medevacs. The organization remains effective due to its predominantly Haitian staff.

Librandi and Caze expanded HERO’s capabilities by adding a security division, HALO Solutions Firm. Staffed by former U.S. military personnel, they offer top security consulting, working with the U.S. Embassy and Haitian police.

Today, HERO has around 120 employees, including medical professionals and security experts. They collaborate with local hospitals and are developing a Level II Trauma Center. Their success has attracted interest from other nations seeking similar services.