December 2021 Newsletter

Disaster Relief

In addition to all the political turmoil and economic hardship, Haiti was hit with another deadly earthquake on August 14, 2021, this time in the south of the country. This was fo

llowed by a hurricane affecting the same area. The videos of the area in the aftermath showed complete destruction of houses and belongings. HACA was able to offer some assistance to the people of Les Cayes, the most devastated among the cities hit by the earthquake. HACA collected and shipped materials such as clothes, sheets, towels, soap, etc. to the victims. We were able to provide emergency money to prevent starvation to 30 families who were among those who lost everything. As a grassroots organization, HACA usually conducts its operations in person. However, in this case, given the need to travel long distances and the insecurity in the country, we had to delegate this operation. One hundred percent of the money and materials collected was distributed to the disaster victims.

HACA’s Sponsorship Program

HACA’s school program has always been very successful. The children are happy to be in school. As young as they are, they understand the importance of going to school and know that is where they belong. Even though the schools get closed from time to time because of political unrest and insecurity, educators are doing their best to cover their curriculum as

much as possible. There are a lot of parents who come to us in search of support for their children’s schooling. However, HACA has not been able to extend this very important program because of lack of funds. At this writing, we have 23 students in this program. HACA’s mission to provide education and improve the quality of life of the most underprivileged children in the area surrounding Duplan, Bossier, Marlique, etc. has never been more challenging. Fundraising during COVID-19 is almost impossible and we still need $10,000 to cover the tuition balance for this year and tuition for next year for these children.

HACA’s Hunger Alleviation Program

Our yearly food distribution took place on December 4 this year. As always, HACA distributed bags of non-perishable food such as rice, beans, cornmeal, spaghetti, canned fish, cooking oil, etc. The eve

nt was well organized and went well. However, this year we were overwhelmed. We had 200 more families than we expected. Even though we are careful in choosing the neediest families, the numbers keep growing. Given the insecurity from gang violence and Covid, inflation is very high, making food unaffordable. We are urging everyone to support this program. There is starvation in Haiti among families with young children and at this time, only we, individual donors, can help, as we continue to pray that a new government is voted in to address this unfortunate situation.

HACA’s Healthcare Program

The four young ladies in our Nurses for Hope program at École Supérieure d’Infirmières et d’Infirmiers Jeanne Mance du Canada, Haiti, are doing very well. Despite the political unrest in Haiti and problems with school closings, they remain motivated and eager to excel in their

studies. They are now in their second year of study. They have two more years to go after this year since this is a four-year program. They are happy with their professors and their courses. The second-year cost $2,000 per student. Like the first year, this includes tuition, supplies, 6 months of internship, and allowance for transportation and snacks. We have a new young lady who started in the program this year and is being sponsored by the Florida organization Hollywood Cares. During these challenging and uncertain times, with canceled events, disrupted programming, and loss revenues, the underprivileged Haitian families need you more than ever. We count on and need your valuable donations in support of this program.