2023 Year End Report

Good News from Haiti? …. YES!

As major news sources focus on the gang violence that continues to affect parts of Haiti, we remain steadfast in achieving meaningful, tangible results that improve the lives of communities and families. Fortunately, our work is based over five hours away from the regions facing the greatest threats from gangs. However, even for those far from gang-related violence, desperate poverty remains a pervasive and harmful force, causing immense suffering for those who endure it.

Thanks to the support of our donors, the dedication of our partners, and the hard work of our team and local volunteers in Haiti, countless Haitian families have seen significant improvements in their lives. More families now have safe homes, children continue to access education, food security and incomes have increased, and basic medical care is improving the quality of life for thousands.

This year, we introduced two innovative projects. In one, solar panels and computer labs were installed to enhance educational opportunities. In another, a collaboration between a for-profit Haitian bakery, local leadership committees, and Hope for Haitians improved food security while creating employment opportunities.

Everywhere we work, we do so hand in hand with Haitians. Our in-country team, local volunteer leadership in each village, and the volunteer doctors and nurses staffing mobile clinics are all Haitians committed to building a brighter, stronger future for their country.

This community-based strategy is central to our mission. It drives us to create lasting change in Haiti incrementally, year after year. This is how we bring our motto to life: “Hope – One Village at a Time.”

 

Homes For Destitute Families

New Homes for Families

A New Beginning for 55 Families

More Haitians families now enjoy the safety, security and dignity of a new home. Their lives have been changed forever. These homes were the first homes in our new village project, St. Joseph Village.

Wilene and Jeanette Thank You

Two recipients share their gratitude as they enjoy the possibilies their new home provides in our new village project, St. Joseph Village.

Homes under construction

New Hope for 20 More Families

Construction materials are in place, the building sites are being surveyed and 20 more homes are on their way to completion in early 2025. in St. Joseph Village in Acul-Samedi. This is the second part of a two stage project that will provide housing for 75 families in great need.

Lydia's Awaits our Help in the Coming Year

Lydia and her children are one of the 25 families praying we can help them obtain and safe new home in 2025. 

Safe Water and Sanitation

Water Monitoring

Anyone who owns a home, knows that maintenance and repairs are a part of life. In our village projects, monitoring of water projects installed years earlier is part of our approach. Some NGOs have a set-it and forget it approach. We reject that approach and are engaged over years to ensure sustainable development in our villages.

Each month a member of our Haiti Team checks on the availability of potable water, making repairs when need to ensure safe water is a reliable part of life in each village.

Water and Sanitation

  • In Acul-Samedi 55 families now have indoor sanitation facilities in their new homes, with 20 more families set to receive similar amenities soon. Additionally, 55 Acul-Samedi families were equipped with new rainwater capture systems integrated into their homes. Another 20 families will receive these systems as part of Phase II of St. Joseph Village in Acul Samedi.

Improvements to Food Security

Bakery Partnership

Partnering with an existing for profit bakery we launched an initiative aimed at fostering economic independence, job creation, and food accessibility in seven rural Haitian villages. This project, supported by the HELP Foundation and Village Leadership Councils, involved investment to enhance bakery infrastructure, purchase equipment, and train local staff.

In turn the bakery committed to provide jobs, specialized training, and exclusive product distribution rights for local leadership councils. A 10% revenue-sharing model directs funds to both local sellers and village development projects, empowering councils to address unique community needs. By supporting local enterprises, this initiative is creating lasting economic growth and resilience. [LEARN MORE]

Installing grain mills in Dumas

New Mill Empowers Farmers

Hope for Haitians supported the launch of a dual-function mill in Dumas, Haiti, marking a milestone in local agriculture. The mill processes rice and corn, helping farmers turn raw crops into market-ready products, increasing their income and independence.

Haiti’s reliance on imported food has long undercut local farmers, but this mill empowers the community to reclaim control of their harvests. By fostering self-reliance, it strengthens food security and boosts the local economy. [LEARN MORE]

Leadership and Economic Development

New Local Leadership Trained

A local leadership committee was trained in Hope for Haitians most recent village, Acul Samedi.

Local leadership ensures that projects are aligned with the specific needs of a community and cultivates capacity within the community to maintain infrastructure improvements for the long term.

Leadership Summit

At the end of the year, the volunteer members of our eight Village Leadership Committees gathered to participate in a day of reporting and strategy sharing.

Each committee reported on the progress made in their village and lessons learned. Additional sessions provided opportunities for individuals from different communities to discuss and strategize on specific areas of need, such as food security, economic development, and education. This event exemplifies our commitment to and confidence in Haitian-led solutions to community needs.

Community Center for Acul Samedi

In villages built by Hope for Haitians the community center is a hub of activity. It is a gathering place for celebrations, Mass, and meetings. It serves as the location for mobile clinics, training and education. This year a new community center was contructed in Acul Samedi.

Womens Microloans

20 women from two villages underwent business training and subsequently implemented projects using microloans, demonstrating real-world application of their skills. These successful ventures led to full repayment of the initial loans, qualifying them for larger loans to enhance their endeavors. Microloans have empowered these women by enabling disciplined management of inventory and finances, as well as focused effort. They are now poised to embark on more substantial projects with 18-month term loans.

Education and Vocational Training

Vocational Training

This summer, Hope for Haitians provided vocational training to 85 individuals in Northern and Northeastern Haiti, fostering self-reliance and economic independence. Training was offered in five areas: Cosmetology, Culinary Arts and Pastry, Computer Science, Tiling, and Plumbing or Solar Electricity.

These programs are transformative in regions where 61.8% of the population lacks basic education. For many participants, this marked their first completion of a formal course. A graduation ceremony, endorsed by Haiti’s Ministry of Education, celebrated their achievements.

By addressing educational gaps, Hope for Haitians empowers participants with practical skills, building confidence and hope for a sustainable future. [LEARN MORE]

Haitian School Children

Expanded Educational Support

The Fun Bun Run 5K for Education raised funds that provided scholarships for 288 students in 30 school across eight villages.

These scholarships are typically partial, designed to bridge the gap between what parents can afford and the total tuition required. Our approach is to support, not replace, the efforts of parents in educating their children, thus enhancing their involvement without taking over their responsibility.

Solar Power & School Computers

Solar energy systems have been installed in two schools located in Dumas and Garde Saline, Northern Haiti. This initiative supports education and provides sustainable energy solutions in resource-limited areas.

The systems power critical educational programs, offering literacy, mathematics, and general knowledge content. Schools now have access to engaging language and math resources, a library of 4,000 digital books, and Wikipedia in four languages—an invaluable addition where educational materials are scarce.

Beyond powering computer labs, the solar installations support ceiling fans and lights, creating a more comfortable learning environment. These improvements are expected to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes in the region. [LEARN MORE]

Medical Services

Weekly Clinics

The weekly medical clinic in Pope Francis Friendship Village in Dumas completed its third year of meeting basic healthcare needs for hundreds of people each week

The weekly medical clinic in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Village in Garde Saline serve hundreds of people each week.

Volunteer Doctors and Nurses

The success of our mobile clinics is largely due to the local Haitian doctors and nurses who volunteer their time and skills. In partnership with these dedicated volunteers, we provide funds for medicines, transportation, food, and supplies, while they contribute their expertise and effort.

Mobile Clinics

Hope for Haitians sponsored mobile clinics based at community centers in four of our villages lacking access to healthcare. These clinics, held quarterly, offer basic medical care to individuals who may have never previously consulted a physician.