The aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Haiti shows just how hard it can be for aid agencies to respond effectively to such a catastrophe. In many cases - and Haiti is no exception - the challenges are exacerbated by pre-existing problems, ranging from grinding poverty to weak institutions. Over the years Disasters has published important articles on urban disaster recovery, cost effectiveness of disaster preparedness, post-earthquake delivery of relief and livelihood support, and survivor needs and the psychological impact of earthquakes, which can inform practitioners and policy-makers involved in disaster relief and reconstruction efforts in Haiti.