There is a country-wide crisis happening in Haiti right now. Our partners, Child Hope International (CHI) recently gave us an update on everything they’re facing.
The Crisis
“Currently, the situation in Haiti is very complicated..the capital is controlled and run by gangs.”
A time of terror is underway in Haiti. Gang controlled territory is making every day life difficult, including caring for children. The crisis is impacting security, the economy, and education.
A staff member called it “one of the darkest times in our history.”
“Basic functions of society are eroding,” a staff member told us. CHI highlighted that they have to move with extreme caution, checking their surroundings, praying with family, and only leaving their houses at certain times to avoid danger. On top of gang violence, inflation is driving up prices of everyday necessities, like food and gas.
How is this affecting Child Hope International’s work?
“We cannot always go on the field to work with partners or see the families as much as we wish because some places are not safe to go,” one staff member told us.
The economic crisis means CHI has to spend more money on everything they do, especially transportation. Families also are struggling financially, meaning they need more support from CHI for necessities like food.
Safety Measures
As CHI continues to serve children and families, they have safety measures in place. They are intentional with their movements, ensuring it is safe for staff to go out into the community. CHI avoids bringing children to the center, preferring to visit them at home or online if possible, reducing the risk of the child and employees encountering danger.
“We make sure that all families are constantly in contact with us, so if there is an emergency for them to move, they can reach out and we will try to support them.”
In our conversations with Child Hope International, one thing was abundantly clear: they are committed to serving vulnerable children and families through this crisis.
How to Help
We’ve listed a few ways you can help as CHI faces these new challenges.
Give
The biggest shift Child Hope International has made is providing more nutritional support to families. With rising inflation, food insecurity has become a much bigger problem. CHI is meeting this need, providing families with groceries. To support the effort to feed families, give here: https://app.wegive.com/child-hope-international/e/food-insecurity
Pray
Prayer requests directly from Haiti:
“Pray for us so that God can protect us in our work on the ground.”
“Pray for safety and peace in Haiti so that we can do our work in peace and continue to serve children and families.”
“Pray to raise up leaders in all sectors: political, economic, business, for the change of the country.”
Become an Ambassador
Child Hope Ambassadors are friends of the ministry who have taken their support to the next level by committing to share Child Hope’s mission and ministry with their own communities. Click here for more information: https://childhope.org/get-involved/ambassadors/
Follow along with 1MILLIONHOME and Child Hope International for more updates and news about the crisis in Haiti and global care reform.
.......................
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emily’s passion is missional storytelling: doing good work and telling stories of impact to further a mission. Having worked in anti-trafficking for over 3 years, Emily has served in a direct care role, working in a residential safe house, providing trauma-informed care to trafficking survivors and at-risk youth. She also worked in communications, utilizing the organization’s voice and vision to empower others to join the mission and serve survivors well. Emily loves to travel, read, and write.