Hope for Haiti

Hope for Haiti Launches “Buckets of Hope” Campaign to Support Clean Water Initiatives During National Clean Water Month

alexa — Tue, 20 May 2025 17:54:55 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Naples, FL — May 1, 2025 — In celebration of National Water Quality Month this August, Hope for Haiti (HFH) is proud to announce the launch of Buckets of Hope, a nationwide fundraising campaign supporting the organization’s critical WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) program in southern Haiti.

Buckets of Hope invites schools, churches, businesses, clubs, sports teams, hospitals, restaurants, and individuals across the U.S. to make a tangible difference by filling a branded “Bucket of Hope” with donations throughout August and September.

“Access to clean water is one of the most urgent needs in the communities we serve,” said Skyler Badenoch, Hope for Haiti CEO. “Buckets of Hope empowers people everywhere to be part of the solution in a simple, meaningful, and community-driven way.”

How It Works:

Participants register online to receive a branded fundraising bucket or a sticker to put on their own bucket.
Buckets are shipped directly to participants, who then engage their networks—friends, family, neighbors, teams, and coworkers—to fill the bucket with donations during August and September. Donations can be in the form of cash, check, or via credit card through the team’s fundraising page.
In early October, mail in a check equal to your total or donate it through the Buckets of Hope website.
All funds raised will go directly to Hope for Haiti’s ’s WASH program, which provides access to safe drinking water, improved sanitation, and hygiene education in vulnerable Haitian communities.
Top fundraising teams and individuals will be recognized and awarded prizes for their outstanding efforts. Stayed tuned for details!

A custom campaign website will provide a central hub for registration, fundraising tips, impact stories, and tracking progress throughout the month.

For more information and to get involved, visit Hope for Haiti’s Buckets of Hope Website.

About Hope for Haiti

With experience running poverty alleviation programs in Haiti since 1989, Hope for Haiti has emerged as one of the most trusted non-profit organizations working to improve the quality of life for the Haitian people, particularly children. The organization’s team and network of partners in southern Haiti provide people with better access to education, healthcare, water, and economic development opportunities. Hope for Haiti is a 4-star charity by Charity Navigator and a participant at the Platinum Level through the GuideStar Exchange, two leading independent evaluators recognizing the organization’s transparency and careful stewardship of donor resources. To learn
more, visit www.hopeforhaiti.com.

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💸 Donation Match Now Live + Your Impact in Haiti

alexa — Thu, 15 May 2025 16:28:38 +0000

Just Two Weeks Left to Hike for Haiti

Time really does fly when you’re having fun! So far, the 7th Annual Hike for Haiti has taken us from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Atlanta, Georgia, and raised more than $74,000 to support healthcare and education in Haiti. Next, we’ll head to Naples, Florida, and Greenwich, Connecticut!

Whether you’re joining us in-person or hiking and fundraising in your own community, remember that the fundraising deadline for this year’s prize eligibility is on May 31! So keep sharing your team or individual fundraising pages to help even more people get access to essentials like school books and asthma medication, while securing your spot as one of our grand prize winners!

$7,000 Donation Match Live!

In honor of the 7th Annual Hike for Haiti, we’re excited to announce that the next $7,000 in donations will be matched, instantly DOUBLING your impact! Help us reach our goal to raise $100,000 to support healthcare and education in Haiti by May 31 by making a gift today. Every dollar makes a difference!

DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT NOW

How Your Support Makes an Impact: Belizaire’s Story

At just 13 years old, Belizaire Mikerbens faced a life-threatening mystery illness that turned his once-happy childhood upside down. His family, already struggling financially, quickly ran out of resources trying to afford his care, until they were told about Hope for Haiti’s healthcare clinic, the Infirmary St. Etienne.

“I received all this treatment without paying any money,” said Belizaire. “The medical staff was really patient, and they explained everything to me about my diabetes [diagnosis]—when and how to take insulin, how to control my blood sugar level, and how to eat. I also received a device to monitor my blood sugar, alcohol, insulin, and other medications. Thanks to the information I received at ISE, I now raise awareness among my friends at school and in the neighborhood on how to recognize the signs of diabetes.”

Belizaire’s story is a powerful reminder that your generosity helps save lives! Read more about Belizaire’s journey here.

SUPPORT HEALTHCARE ACCESS IN HAITI

Explore Our Infirmary St. Etienne with CEO Skyler Badenoch

By now, you’ve likely heard a lot about our Infirmary Saint Etienne (often referred to as the ISE), located in Les Cayes, Haiti. In this new video, Hope for Haiti CEO Skyler Badenoch invites you to take a look inside the infirmary to meet team members and see how your donations make truly life-changing impact.

SUPPORT HEALTHCARE THROUGH THE HIKE FOR HAITI

Introducing Buckets of Hope

This August and September, join us for Buckets of Hope, a national fundraising campaign benefiting Hope for Haiti’s WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) program.

In honor of National Water Quality Month, we’re rallying schools, churches, businesses, sports teams, community groups, and more to take part in a simple, powerful challenge: to fill a bucket with donations to provide clean water access in Haiti.

The post 💸 Donation Match Now Live + Your Impact in Haiti appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

From Fear to Hope: Belizaire’s Journey to Life-Saving Diabetes Care

alexa — Wed, 14 May 2025 14:17:00 +0000

13-year-old Belizaire Mikerbens

Thirteen-year-old Belizaire Mikerbens is a bright and hardworking boy who enjoys farming and gardening. Living with his four siblings, mother, and father, Belizaire was leading an active and happy life. But when he suddenly began drinking excessive amounts of water and frequently urinating, his mother initially thought it was due to his love of eating fruit. It was his aunt who suspected something more serious and urged his mother to take him to the hospital.

Belizaire’s mother took him to Hôpital Immaculée Conception (HIC) in Les Cayes for a consultation. There, they discovered that his blood sugar level was dangerously high (400 mg/dl), confirming a diagnosis of diabetes. They were shocked by the news and couldn’t believe that diabetes could affect children like him.

The hospital decided to admit him, but within three days, his mother had already spent all the money she had. The high cost of medications left them feeling helpless, especially being so far from home. They didn’t know where to turn next, until a fellow patient at HIC told them about Infirmary St. Etienne (ISE), Hope for Haiti’s healthcare clinic.

Upon arriving at ISE, Belizaire was seen by a Hope for Haiti pediatrician. His blood sugar levels remained dangerously high, prompting the team to refer him to one of Hope for Haiti’s trusted medical partners for specialized care until he became stable and could be treated there. From that moment on, Belizaire never missed an appointment.

Thanks to the support of Hope for Haiti, Belizaire received life-saving medical treatment and diabetes education at no cost to his family.

“I received all this treatment without paying any money,” said Belizaire. “The medical staff was really patient, and they explained everything to me about diabetes—when and how to take insulin, how to control my blood sugar level, and how to eat. I also received a device to monitor my blood sugar, alcohol, insulin, and other medications. Thanks to the information I received at ISE, I now raise awareness among my friends at school and in the neighborhood on how to recognize the signs of diabetes.”

Patients line up to be seen at Hope for Haiti’s Infirmary St. Etienne (ISE) in Les Cayes, Haiti.

Belizaire’s story is an example of how access to healthcare can transform lives. Through Hope for Haiti’s support, he not only learned how to manage his condition but also became an advocate for diabetes awareness in his community.

At Hope for Haiti, we believe that no child should have to face a life-threatening illness without access to care. Stories like Belizaire’s motivate us to continue our mission of providing quality healthcare to children and families in Haiti. Your support helps ensure that children like Belizaire receive the treatment they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

Want to help more children like Belizaire? Donate today and be a part of the change!

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💉Vaccination, Facilities Team, & Hike Update

alexa — Tue, 06 May 2025 19:57:37 +0000

In the wake of World Immunization Week (April 24-30), we are reminded of the vital role vaccines play in giving every child the chance to grow up healthy and protected. Ten-month-old Joanie Pierre Joseph is a shining example of how access to vaccines can change a life.

Joanie’s mother, Toussaint Francesse, began bringing her to Hope for Haiti’s Infirmary Saint Etienne when she was just a few weeks old. She was immediately impressed by the warm, welcoming staff and the extra care given to children, like the medicine provided after each injection to ease pain and fever. Month after month, she returned, and today, Joanie is fully vaccinated.

Thanks to the consistent and accessible vaccination service offered at the Infirmary Saint Etienne, Joanie is now protected against dangerous diseases like polio, measles, and diphtheria. Even in the face of an outbreak, she has the defense she needs to stay healthy and thrive. Her mother is deeply grateful not only for the treatment, but for the dedicated staff and the ongoing commitment to community health. She hopes vaccination will remain accessible in Les Cayes so that every child in the area has the same opportunity to grow up safe, strong, and well.

SUPPORT HEALTHCARE ACCESS TODAY

Thank You to Our Facilities Team!

May 8 is World Facilities Management Day, so we’re taking this opportunity to recognize and thank the wonderful team members who maintain and clean our office and Infirmary St. Etienne in Haiti. Cleaning and building maintenance are a vital part of our ability to get work done and welcome patients to the clinic. Thank you, Facilities!

Facilities Team Members:
Rony Guiny (Facilities and Maintenance Coordinator)
Ronald Bathelemy (Facilities & Maintenance Assistant)
Velant Clerge (Facilities & Maintenance Assistant)
Marco Delinois (Facilities & Maintenance Assistant)
Luce Destine (Facilities & Cleaning Assistant)
Rose Marie Edma (Facilities & Cleaning Assistant)
Fabienne Laudin (Facilities & Cleaning Assistant)

Now that it’s May, we have officially reached the halfway point of the 7th Annual Hike for Haiti Challenge! With less than one month left to reach our goals, here are a few ways you can get involved today!

Join us in person for the Naples, Florida, or Greenwich, Connecticut, Hike for Haiti activations.
Register to take the Hike In Your Community.
Donate to support education & healthcare access by supporting the Hike for Haiti.
Wear your support by shopping our limited edition Hike for Haiti-branded apparel.
Share the Hike for Haiti with your co-workers, friends, and family, online or in-person! We’ve created a comprehensive Hike for Haiti toolkit filled with talking points, graphics for your social media, and more to get you started!

MORE ABOUT THE HIKE FOR HAITI

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Vaccination Access for 10-Month-Old Joanie

alexa — Mon, 05 May 2025 18:42:37 +0000

An Update from Hope for Haiti’s Head Nurse, Sandina Dorvillier:

You can learn more about Hope for Haiti’s comprehensive healthcare program and help ensure families like Joanie and Francesse can access life-saving care here.

The post Vaccination Access for 10-Month-Old Joanie appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

Hope for Haiti Partners with Organizations to Build Earthquake-Resistant Homes for Families

alexa — Thu, 01 May 2025 15:04:52 +0000

Five families in the community of Ravine Sable, Haiti, are in brand new homes, thanks to funding from HomePlan and a partnership between Hope for Haiti and the Man Dodo Humanitarian Foundation. These families each lost their homes during the catastrophic 2021 earthquake in the Sud Department. Unfortunately, the reconstruction project encountered numerous challenges, delaying the completion of the new homes, including the verification process of land and home ownership with local authorities, securing a contractor willing to work in this remote area, and the shutdown of Port-au-Prince’s port and customs, which impacted the delivery of materials.

By June, 2024, work was underway on all five homes. On August 18, 2024, Hope for Haiti staff joined the staff of Man Dodo and the beneficiary families to inaugurate their newly built homes. Each home consists of a house with a porch, a large living/dining space, and two bedrooms, as well as two outbuildings containing a kitchen and toilet.

Testimonials

Anasta at the home inauguration

Anasta Bacien is a 57-year-old resident of Ravine Sable in Cavaillon, and lives with four of her seven children. She was raised by her godfather after the death of her parents. Not able to afford school, she began working as a child. Once a mother, she worked as a ti machann (vendor), selling ground coffee, candies, bread, and peanut butter to support her children and enable them to attend school.

She describes the impact of the 2021 earthquake on her home in emotional terms. “My situation was so desperate. Even though my house didn’t collapse, it was severely damaged. I used sheets and sheet metal to cover where the walls had collapsed so I could sleep indoors. In the evening, I had to have a flashlight in hand to check for bugs around the house.”

With a newly-rebuilt house, her situation is much improved. “This new house has changed my living conditions. After the earthquake, I lived in a house where, when it rained, there was water all over the inside. Now, I live in a comfortable house and I am no longer afraid of the rain. I feel more safe.”

“My previous situation had a great impact on my health, because it was a source of stress and anxiety for me.” Anasta explained. “Now, my children and I are happier. We won’t worry anymore about finding metal sheets to keep people from seeing inside our house.”

Anasta (center) in front of her home

Jean Willey Petit-Bois is a 42-year-old resident of Ravine Sable in Cavaillon, and lives with his wife and two daughters. He was born in Cavaillon and attended primary school there, then
moved to Port au Prince for high school. He returned to his hometown to pursue post-secondary studies in mathematics and now teaches at Ecole Frères-Unis de Ravine Sable.

Jean Willey and his daughters at the home inauguration

He described the impact of the 2021 earthquake on his family. “My family first lived in a very tiny house, with one room. With our daughters were growing up, we decided to build a more comfortable home. Even though it was incomplete, we had moved there before the earthquake occurred. My daughters were playing inside when the earthquake struck and the house collapsed. Thanks to God, neighbors rescued my daughters from the rubble. Consequently, we had to return to our uncomfortable tiny house. Every single day was a big challenge for us. There was no privacy for me and my wife, and my children got sick very often due to the mess inside and exposure to low-quality air. Living in the tiny house psychologically affected me. Sometimes I used my radio to avoid thinking about it.”

Jean Willey described the impact of his new home. “The biggest change for me is that we no longer have privacy problems and there is no mess or bad smells to make us feel embarrassed. I feel safer now. One day, while I was at school teaching, robbers got into our tiny house and stole my cell phone. I think with this house that incident wouldn’t occur. My daughters got sick very often because of the low-quality air and constant heat inside our tiny house. I believe, with this house, they are going to be healthy,” he continued.

Although mostly positive about his new home, Jean Willey did have one suggestion for future home builds. “I really like the house. I would prefer that, for more privacy when eating, the dining and living rooms were separated instead of an open room, however.”

Asked if he had anything else to share, Jean Willey said, “I am at a loss for words to express my gratitude for this very nice house.”

Kenold’s partner and daughter in front of their home

Kenold Menard is a 48-year-old native resident of Ravine Sable in Cavaillon and lives with his partner and daughter. He described the impact of the 2021 earthquake on his family’s living
situation. “Our house was severely damaged, so the actions to take were demolition and reconstruction. Fortunately, my brother allowed me, my wife, and my daughter to stay with him until we rebuilt our own house. We had to share one room. Despite being hopeless, we adapted to our new living conditions.”

Kenold described how the loss of his home impacted his mental health. “Losing my house made me depressed. We all lived in a single room. I was not comfortable and was depressed because
losing my house was like a step back. Moreover, no friends could visit me because I always declined any time they wanted to. I felt ashamed!”

Now, his situation is much improved. “The biggest change is that we have a safer and bigger house now. I feel more safe because I believe, in the event of an earthquake, cracks or even partial collapse of walls won’t jeopardize the building as a whole.”

More Photos from the Inauguration

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In the face of crisis, we take action

alexa — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:50:57 +0000

Dear Hope for Haiti Family:

Last week, I traveled to Haiti to stand alongside our incredible team as they kicked off the 7th annual Hike for Haiti Challenge, a movement rooted in solidarity and hope.

What’s happening in Haiti right now should never happen. Not to any nation, not to any people. And certainly not to a country that has given the world so much, in spirit, in strength, and in the relentless pursuit of freedom.

While much of the world sees only the headlines about gang violence, poverty, and despair, I had the privilege of witnessing something different: the best of humanity. Hope for Haiti’s team is doing what they’ve always done: showing up. With courage. With compassion. With unwavering commitment.

At a time when so many systems have collapsed, my colleagues in Haiti are continuing to help provide quality education to children and critical healthcare to families because access to learning and healing should never be determined by geography or circumstance.

Hope for Haiti team members from various departments pose for a photo together during their hike to the mountaintop community of Marre à Coiffe, Haiti, kicking off the 7th annual Hike for Haiti Challenge.

On Saturday, we hiked in the mountains of southern Haiti with hundreds of schoolchildren, teachers, partners, and colleagues. Each step was a powerful reminder: in the face of hardship, we walk together. And every stride we take brings us closer to a world where opportunity isn’t limited by borders.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support inspires us to keep going.

With gratitude,

Skyler Badenoch

CEO, Hope for Haiti

Hope for Haiti team members celebrate with students and community members after completing the 10.5-mile Hike for Haiti at Marre à Coiffe.

A collage of photos from the team’s hike on April 5.

The Hike for Haiti is more than just a walk; it’s a global movement of changemakers joining together to support Hope for Haiti’s mission to improve the quality of life for the Haitian people, particularly women and children. The event is inspired by the daily journey of Haitian students in the rural community of Marre à Coiffe, who walk steep mountain paths to attend school. Your participation symbolizes solidarity with their determination and helps provide essential resources, including school supplies, teacher support, and access to clean water.

JOIN THE HIKE FOR HAITI

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🇭🇹Teacher Training, Accountability & Hike Updates!

alexa — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:28:51 +0000

Dear friend,

At Hope for Haiti, we’re always working to expand our impact, and we’re excited to share some updates on our latest programs that are making a real difference for families in Haiti. From education initiatives to economic development opportunities, your support is helping create lasting change.

One powerful way to get involved is by joining the Hike for Haiti! This annual event unites our global community in solidarity with Haitian students who walk miles each day to access education. Whether you hike, donate, or spread the word, you can make a difference. Stay tuned for more details below, and thank you for being part of this journey with us!

With immense gratitude,
The Team at Hope for Haiti

Harnessing the Power of Education

From March 19 to 21, teachers and directors from three of our partner schools (Presbytérale Ste Anne de Boirond, St François Xavier de Morency, and Christ-Roi de Cammy) gathered in Les Cayes for a three-day training session on classroom management.

This training provided participants with new strategies to manage their classrooms more effectively and foster a positive learning environment for students.

Thanks to Herbert and Nell Singer Foundation, participants in the training were introduced to fundamental concepts of child and adolescent psychology and explored child-friendly approaches to classroom discipline, such as positive discipline and effective communication techniques. These methods help establish a classroom climate built on trust and respect, where students learn to take responsibility for their actions and develop leadership skills for the future.

SUPPORT EDUCATION THROUGH THE HIKE FOR HAITI

Spotlight on Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)

An update from Yoosley Leconte, Hope for Haiti Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Manager:

“At Hope for Haiti, we are committed to data-driven decision-making. We truly believe that accurate, reliable data is key to ensuring our programs are accountable and create a lasting impact.

This month, our Senior MEAL Officer, Mirat Lauvenski Louis, is conducting a data validation at Dispensaire Ferme Le Blanc, Torbeck, as part of the Equity Accelerator Funding project in partnership with JSI Research & Training Institute Inc., a vaccination project implemented in two communities (Camp Perin and Torbeck) in the South Department.

The routine data quality assessment is a powerful tool to inform decisions, ensuring every dollar spent on our programs creates meaningful change.”

We Need Your Help – $1 Million is Within Our Reach!

Since the first Hike for Haiti in 2019, people from around the world have come together to raise more than $800,000 through this feel-good movement. This year, our goal is to reach the $1 million mark, and we need your help!

You can join the movement today by making a donation, creating or joining a team, registering for an in-person activation (see graphic below), or by becoming a sponsor or ambassador!

JOIN THE HIKE NOW

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🕯️ Illuminate by Hope for Haiti

alexa — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 15:38:48 +0000

Hope for Haiti’s Newsletter is Now Illuminate!

Dear Hope for Haiti Family,

In everything we do, the Hope for Haiti team strives to keep people at the center of our storytelling. After all, the people are why this work matters and who your support is affecting.

We’re excited to announce that the Hope for Haiti email newsletter is now Illuminate, named for our continuous effort to shine a light on the positive, impactful stories happening every day in Haiti. Thank you for being part of this journey with us and your commitment to helping us improve the lives of the Haitian people, particularly women and children.

A Mother Finds Hope Through Targeted Financial Support

Before becoming a beneficiary of Hope for Haiti’s Digital Cash Assistance (DCA) Program, Nadia Ogzama, a 31-year-old mother of two, experienced moments of despair. “It was hard for me to find enough to feed my children,” she shared, her voice filled with emotion. “I worried most about Richardson, my youngest, who is only 12 months old. Without proper nutrition, I feared for his health.”

Hope for Haiti Launches Diabetic Children’s Club to Empower Families

In this update, Hope for Haiti Clinic Manager Jean Herns Dede shares valuable insights and the moving cases that led to the development of our first-ever diabetes support group for children.

“…for effective and efficient care to be provided to the children, parents must be educated about the disease,” said Miss Sandina, Hope for Haiti Head Nurse.

Save the Date for the Annual Hike for Haiti!

Join us this spring as we embark on the 7th annual Hike for Haiti! Since the first hike in 2019, people from around the world have come together to raise more than $800,000 through this feel-good movement.

Hike prizes and in-person activations will be held from April – May 2025. Stay tuned for details!

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Hope for Haiti Launches Diabetic Children’s Club to Empower Families

alexa — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:27:54 +0000

The following story was written by Hope for Haiti’s Clinic Manager, Jean Herns Dede, who lives and works in Les Cayes, Haiti.

“I don’t know where this disease comes from or why it chose me.”

These are the words of Kyarah, a 6-year-old diabetic girl who was recently hospitalized due to extremely high blood sugar.

Despite this, many in our community still believe that only adults can have diabetes and that this chronic disease does not affect children.

We recently held our first meeting for the Diabetic Children’s Club with patients from Hope for Haiti’s Infirmary St. Etienne. Although we already have a Diabetes Club for our adult patients, we realized that it is particularly important to have dedicated sessions for parents whose children have been diagnosed with diabetes.

“They need more guidance, and for effective and efficient care to be provided to the children, parents must be educated about the disease,” said Miss Sandina, Hope for Haiti Head Nurse.

“In the past few weeks, we have seen two parents bring their children to our clinic because they were losing weight despite eating a lot. They did not realize that the reason their children weren’t feeling well was diabetes,” said Roselande, Hope for Haiti’s Pharmacist.

She continued, “After providing proper medical care, we want to guide and educate parents so their diabetic children can live with the disease, go to school, and play like other children.”

Our team will continue to visit different community schools in the coming weeks to conduct a large-scale diabetes screening. This is one of the many ways Hope for Haiti works to improve the quality of life for people in our community.

You can support Hope for Haiti’s healthcare program and its Infirmary St. Etienne here.

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