Haiti Crisis Update

March 19th, 2024

Hear important updates from Elisha and our leaders in Haiti about how we are continuing our mission during this time of humanitarian crisis.

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March 19th, 2024

For over 11.5 million Haitian people, life is full of uncertainties. Political unrest from the presidential assassination and ongoing gang violence has grown into the chaos that we see today, turning the country of Haiti into a warzone. Port-au-Prince’s harbor and major airports have been shut down, leading to a scarcity of food, supplies, and humanitarian aid. (BBC News) The exorbitant prices have placed basic staples well out of the reach of many struggling families, triggering one of the worst famines affecting the world today. (UN News)

Our hearts have been broken over the challenges now facing this nation. But, we are ready and resolved to make a difference however we can. We have been in constant communication with our Haiti team over the past several weeks, receiving real-time updates and information as events have unfolded. Now that we have fully evaluated the situation’s impact on Fond Doux, we have a clear-cut plan for moving forward.

SAFETY MEASURES

First and foremost, know that we are doing everything in our power to keep our doors open. The safety of our artisans, school staff, and students remains our highest priority. Our village remains safe for now. We are praying that it continues that way.

As most of you know, this past summer, we opened our preschool and our Artisan Workshop in a temporary location rent-free - thanks to our nonprofit partner, Hope Beyond Borders. We are grateful that this location has secure walls. But we’re taking proactive measures by adding a security presence at our school gate. Our Educational Advisory Council made up of educators in the States is working with our Haiti team to develop and implement safety protocols and procedures that will allow artisans and students to continue daily activities within reason.

FOOD SUPPLY

Because the food supply has been cut off from Port-au-Prince, we’ve had to get creative in how we feed our children. We purchased locally grown food from the mountains of Jeremie and transported them over 6 hours back to our village. We are not only supporting local farmers by purchasing plantains, yams, and potatoes, but we are adding a variety of nutritional ingredients to feed our kids! And the good news is… the kids love it! The teachers told us the kids were licking the last bit of sauce off their plates.

The challenges have been great, but the resilient hopes of the Haitian people are alive and well. Our commitment to Haiti has not wavered. We are here to create a place of refuge and safe haven for the children in this time of great tension and insecurity. We will continue to do what we can to support the local economy and ensure education continues. This includes supporting our local artisans by giving work that will sustain them and their families while we can.

Now more than ever, the people of Haiti need your help.

How You Can Respond //

IMPACT AID FUND

This Aid Fund will allow us to respond to emergency needs immediately. People we know have had their whole world turned upside-down overnight. Refugees from Port-au-Prince have fled to our humble village seeking safety. With your support, we will continue to provide food, shelter, salaries, and education.

GIVE NOW.

We need to respond to this crisis NOW.

RESPOND NOW.