Help our students with safe housing, food, and emergency supplies

Haiti is currently experiencing a severe escalation of gang violence, particularly in Port-au-Prince. Recently, coordinated attacks have displaced thousands, leaving communities in fear and chaos. The violence has a devastating impact on the students we support. Your contribution supports their immediate needs and our efforts to provide assistance.

The current situation is marked by widespread fear, with schools closed and daily life severely disrupted. Moving through the capital is extremely dangerous, and essential services—such as internet, phone service, and access to food—are increasingly unreliable. People have fled their homes with only what they could carry. Armed groups have burned homes, taken lives, and committed horrific acts of violence, including against young girls.

This crisis has directly affected many of our students, preventing them from attending school and exposing them to unimaginable trauma. Our local staff remains in constant contact, providing support however they can.

Impact on Our Students by Area

Delmas:

Ten of our students were living in an orphanage in this "red zone" heavily contested by armed gangs. They were forced to evacuate to a prearranged location, only to be denied entry, leaving them stranded in the pouring rain. Thankfully, neighbors took them in for the night.

The next day, one student sought refuge with family in Cité Soleil, while others found temporary housing in different areas. Four of them had no choice but to return to the original orphanage despite the dangers.

Carrefour-Feuilles:

Two of our students narrowly survived gang attacks and had to flee with nothing. They were rescued just in time and are now staying at one of our girls’ houses for safety.

Kenscoff:

A horrific act of violence was committed here—armed men threw a baby under six months old into a fire in front of the child’s mother.

Two of our young women are experiencing severe emotional distress. They have lost their homes, witnessed horrific violence, and live in constant fear. Both are suffering from nightmares, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.

For the other students, even if they are not directly exposed to the worst violence, the fear they experience is overwhelming. The uncertainty about their future weighs heavily on them. The sense of security they once had is gone.

Immediate Needs

Essential Supplies: Food, water, and hygiene products.

Transportation Support: Helping those who need to reach safer areas outside the capital.

Psychological Support: Trauma counseling for students and staff.

Communication: Keeping lines open between students, staff, and emergency contacts.

Emergency Shelter: Securing safe housing for displaced students.

The Impact on Our Staff

This crisis does not affect only the students. Our local staff—who have dedicated their lives to supporting these young people—are also suffering.

Every day, they endure heavy gunfire near their homes, threats of attack, and the fear of stepping outside. Some cannot leave their homes at all. Their families are at risk, and yet they continue to serve as leaders, offering strength and support to the students despite their own struggles.

"What we are living in Haiti right now is beyond imagination—worse than any horror film. We are traumatized."

One staff member put it simply:
"A psychologist would need a psychologist after hearing what we’re going through down here."

How You Can Help

We ask for your prayers—for the safety of our students and staff, for hope, and for peace in Haiti.

If you are able, please consider supporting our emergency relief efforts. Your generosity can provide food, shelter, and trauma support to those who need it most.

Thank you for standing with us in this difficult time.

(photo credit: Jean Feguens Regala)