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.

REGISTER NOW

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

Third-year agronomy student Marie Fedia Louisius isn’t letting obstacles stand in the way of her agricultural work.

Marie is one of Hope for Haiti’s 50 active college scholarship students in Les Cayes, Haiti. During one of the students’ regular meetings with Hope for Haiti Scholarship Program Coordinator Pierre Junior Cornelien (“Junior”), he spoke to the students about starting gardens where possible as eventual food sources.

“We suggested that agronomy students take the initiative,” said Junior. “We showed them that time and space are not obstacles.”

A few weeks later, Junior and Hope for Haiti Photographer Magdie Saintil joined Marie on the roof of her home, which was covered in beautiful plants and vegetables in various containers.

“[Marie] used the roof of her small house to create a vegetable garden. She has peppers, cabbages, spinach, tomatoes, and chilies,” said Junior. He continued, “Magdie and I were amazed at how she used the roof of her little house to create this garden. We have other young agronomy students who have joined forces to cultivate a portion of land. I’m teaching them to combine entrepreneurship with their studies.”

To learn more about our Education program, including the JoAnne and Carl Kuehner Sr. Scholarship Fund, click here. To learn more about our Economic Development program, including our school garden initiatives, click here.

The post Urban Gardening Provides Food Resource in Southern Haiti appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

Nadia Ogzama, a 31-year-old mother of two, has faced countless struggles to provide for her family. Living in Les Cayes, Haiti, where food insecurity is a constant challenge, Nadia often found it difficult to provide even the most basic meals for her children.

Before becoming a beneficiary of Hope for Haiti’s Digital Cash Assistance (DCA) Program, Nadia 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.”

When Nadia was selected as a recipient of the DCA program, funded by the Conrad Hilton Foundation, her life began to change. From August to December 2024, she received $75 USD per distribution, equivalent to 9,825 HTG in local currency, directly through digital cash assistance. This regular financial support gave her the ability to purchase essential items for her family.

With the assistance, Nadia was able to buy household staples like rice, beans, and milk, ensuring her family had regular meals. She expressed relief in being able to care for Richardson’s nutritional needs. As a participant in Hope for Haiti’s Nutrition Program, Richardson required specific nutritious foods to support his growth and health. Thanks to the DCA program, Nadia could buy the milk and other supplements her baby needed to thrive.

Today, Nadia speaks with gratitude about the impact the program has had on her life. “Thanks to this project, I could feed my children and see Richardson getting stronger. It gave me hope that even in the hardest times, there is support for mothers like me.”

For Nadia, the DCA program was more than financial assistance—it was a lifeline. It not only addressed her family’s immediate needs but also empowered her to provide for her children with dignity and choice. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of targeted support in building resilience for families in vulnerable situations.

You can learn more about Hope for Haiti’s Economic Development program and help support mothers like Nadia here.

The post Finding Hope Through Targeted Financial Support appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

Fifteen years ago, I stood in Haiti as the earth shook beneath us, altering the course of countless lives forever. The 2010 earthquake brought unimaginable devastation—homes reduced to rubble, families torn apart, hundreds of thousands dead or injured, and communities left reeling. Yet, even in those darkest moments, I witnessed something extraordinary: the courage, strength, and determination of the Haitian people.

Several weeks after the earthquake, I found myself boarding a U.S. military flight out of Haiti. I had been working as a first responder near the quake’s epicenter in Carrefour, sleeping in a 10,000-person tent encampment alongside heroic Haitian doctors, nurses, and first responders who gave everything they had to help others. Exhausted, heartbroken, and forever changed, I sat on that plane overwhelmed by emotion and made a promise to spend the next 20 years of my life working to empower and resource local community leaders in Haiti.Serving as the CEO of Hope for Haiti has allowed me to continue to fulfill that promise in ways I could never have imagined. Before, during, and after the earthquake, Hope for Haiti’s work has remained steadfast in its mission: to provide resources and training to those shaping Haiti’s future. From entrepreneurs creating jobs and building businesses, to nurses and doctors improving health outcomes with unwavering compassion, to young scholars who embody hope—like one of our scholarship recipients who recently graduated college and is now beginning her career as a nurse, determined to serve her community—and to families striving for a brighter future for their children, we are committed to empowering and resourcing Haiti’s changemakers.

If you are following the news surrounding the 15th anniversary of the Haiti earthquake, you’ve likely seen headlines focusing on the misuse of funding, government corruption, and the current challenges in Port-au-Prince. While these issues are real, that is not the full story.

What often gets overlooked are the stories of transformation and progress happening every day. Haiti is not just its struggles, nor is it solely defined by its capital city. It is a nation of extraordinary people—economic development professionals teaching women the power of communal saving, nurses providing critical care to patients, farmers feeding their communities through innovation, and families striving for a brighter tomorrow. These stories may not make the headlines, but they are the heartbeat of Haiti’s progress and potential.

Fifteen years later, I’m reminded of three vital lessons from the earthquake that remain just as relevant today:

1. Empower and Resource Local Leaders: Sustainable change happens when we support leaders who know their communities best. By investing in their leadership, we create a lasting impact.
2. Transparency, Accountability, and Good Governance Are Non-Negotiable: The earthquake highlighted the dangers of inefficiency and the misuse of resources. All organizations working in Haiti must adhere to the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and governance, ensuring every dollar is used effectively and transparently to create measurable results that are available for all to see.
3. Focus on Realistic and Tangible Action: Haiti’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but progress is made through realistic, actionable goals that address immediate needs while building for the future. This pragmatic approach creates ripple effects of progress where it’s needed most.

As the Haitian proverb says, “Dèyè mòn, gen mòn”—beyond the mountains, there are more mountains. The challenges are great, but so is the determination of the Haitian people and the global community committed to walking alongside them.

The earthquake 15 years ago revealed both the immense challenges Haiti faces and the incredible resilience of its people. While the country continues to confront adversity—political instability, economic hardships, and natural disasters—there are countless examples of progress driven by those who refuse to give up.

Now, more than ever, Haiti needs a global community that believes in its potential. I invite you to take action:

• Donate: Support programs that empower local leaders and deliver meaningful change.
• Share: Help amplify stories of progress and hope to counter negative narratives.
• Advocate: Stand for accountability, equity, and sustainable solutions for Haiti’s future.

Together, we can honor the lives lost, celebrate the resilience of the Haitian people, and commit to writing the next chapter of Haiti’s story—one of hope, determination, and transformation.

With gratitude and hope,

Skyler Badenoch,

Hope for Haiti CEO

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The post Honoring 15 Years of Resilience and Progress in Haiti appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

This year highlighted how our team works together to overcome the challenges we face, always putting community first. As we pause to think about the possibilities of the new year, we want to thank you for being by our side and supporting our work.

This video is dedicated to our team members, who sent in their favorite photos showcasing the work they accomplished in 2024 with your help. Mèsi anpil, thank you, for watching and for your dedication to the people of Haiti! We hope you and your loved ones have a safe and healthy 2025.

Hope for Haiti Family,

In 2024, Hope for Haiti supported over 7,000 Haitian school children and provided more than 100,000 medical consultations to children, parents, and grandparents. Last month, we transported more than $4.3 million worth of high-value medication and medical supplies into southern Haiti to be used by Hope for Haiti’s medical team and our partners. Since last May, we’ve provided critical cash transfers to food-insecure mothers, completed the construction of a new primary school, and worked with partners to construct 5 new homes for families whose homes were destroyed in the 2021 earthquake.

These milestones are more than accomplishments—they’re solutions to urgent problems faced by Haitian families every day. They reflect the power of working together, of believing that even in the hardest of times, progress is possible.

This year has not been without its challenges. Haiti continues to endure political instability, gang violence, natural disasters, and a food security crisis that affects millions. But despite these obstacles, a light of hope has shone through in every community and individual we serve—fueled by the resilience of our team in Haiti and inspired by the generosity of supporters like you.

With every school built, every health consultation provided, and every cash transfer delivered, we are creating opportunities for families to rebuild their lives. We are proving that even in the face of unimaginable challenges, meaningful change is possible.

As we look ahead to 2025, we remain committed to being a source of hope and solutions for Haiti. Together, we will:

• Expand our healthcare programs to reach even more families in need.
• Support students and teachers with the tools they need to succeed.
• Expand our clean water program to help deliver access to clean drinking water to rural areas.
• Import and distribute more than $30 million in medication and medical supplies to people who need it most.
• Work with partners to deliver innovative solutions to food insecurity and economic challenges.

None of this is possible without you. Your support fuels every life-saving initiative, every brick laid in a new home or school building, and every moment of hope for the people of Haiti.

Thank you for standing with Haiti through the darkest of times. Together, we will continue to bring light, hope, and solutions to those who need them most.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Skyler Badenoch
CEO, Hope for Haiti

P.S. As we close out the year, please consider making a gift to ensure we can continue this critical work in 2025. Together, we can create even more impact.

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The post Together, We Brought Hope to Haiti in 2024 appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

“During World Diabetes Month this November, the Hope for Haiti team actively raised awareness within communities in southern Haiti. Activities included public screenings in community spaces and schools and hosting educational talks where thousands of individuals learned about diabetes and were encouraged to promote screening within their communities.

This past month was not only focused on raising diabetes awareness, but also on empowering patients from our Diabetes Club with financial literacy. On November 28th, over 100 members of the Diabetes Club participated in a financial education lesson, underscoring the clinic’s commitment to holistic patient care and well-being.

Gina Casseus, a 47-year-old club member, expressed her excitement, saying, ‘I wish I’d taken this training earlier! If I had done it when I was younger, I would have a strong and stable financial situation today.’

Another patient shared: ‘I had a business before, but it failed. My husband and I were discussing how to restart it because life is so expensive these days, but I didn’t know where to begin. This training came at the perfect time, providing me with valuable advice to rebuild and achieve stability.’”

Give the Gift of Health
2:1 Donation Match Active!

Your generous donations this giving season will contribute to providing free medical care and medication for children, parents, and grandparents in southern Haiti through our Infirmary St. Etienne and mobile clinics in rural communities. You can become a healthcare hero today by making a donation of any amount. All donations are being matched dollar-for-dollar (up to $50,000), DOUBLING your impact, thanks to Kardia Transport!

HELP SUPPORT FAMILIES IN HAITI

Save Your Spot for Our Annual Gala

You’re cordially invited to Hope for Haiti’s annual gala on Saturday, February 15, to celebrate an incredible year of impact in southern Haiti. This year’s event, The Luminary Gala, will celebrate the light and hope brought to our partner communities by our team and supporters. We hope you’ll join us for an evening of live music, moving impact stories, and more, in the ballroom of the beautiful Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón.

JOIN US THERE

Sponsorship opportunities are available! Click here to download the complete sponsorship information.

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The post Diabetes Awareness Activities & More Program Updates appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

We’re bringing Celebrating Hope back to Connecticut this year and we can’t wait to see you there! Together we’ll enjoy an unforgettable evening with live music by BélO, a singer-songwriter hailed as Haiti’s musical ambassador. Plus, meet fellow Hope for Haiti friends and supporters in the beautiful courtyard venue, all in support of families in southern Haiti.

We’re proud to honor our long-time friends and supporters, Round Hill Community Church, during this year’s event, recognizing the impact their generosity has made for children and families in Haiti.

Sponsorship opportunities for Celebrating Hope are still available. Download more information here and please contact taylor@hopeforhaiti.com with any questions. Mesi anpil (Thank you)!

The post Our Annual Gratitude Report – Available Now! appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

Economy Program Manager Wilner Saint-Preux is one of this year’s two award winners. Wilner began working with Hope for Haiti in August of 2021 as the Digital Cash Assistance Coordinator, empowering small- and medium-sized business owners in rural southern Haiti to increase their inventory and, in turn, income to support their families.

Wilner quickly began taking on other responsibilities and soon became a Program Coordinator on the Economic Development Program team, expanding his scope of projects and responsibilities. 

“In this role, I worked with enterprises to build their capacity,” said Wilner.

Wilner also began setting up Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) in several of Hope for Haiti’s partner communities to empower vulnerable women and transfer money in innovative ways to community members in crisis situations. As of April 2024, Wilner and his team have launched 14 VSLAs, in which the women have saved thousands of dollars to help support each other in times of need.

Wilner said, “As a result, I contributed to economic growth by stimulating production, creating job opportunities, and promoting financial inclusion. I look forward to continuing to work with Hope for Haiti to further improve the lives of Haitians.”

Wilner was recently promoted to Economy Program Manager and has shared exciting plans for the upcoming year for expanding his program. 

The post Hope for Haiti Economy Program Manager, Wilner Saint-Preux, Receives One of Two Annual Professional Development Awards appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

Dear Friends,

As the Program Manager of Hope for Haiti’s Economic Development Program, I am thrilled to share with you the incredible impact we are making through our Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) initiative. In the midst of difficult times in Haiti, Hope for Haiti’s VSLA program stands out as a beacon of hope, resilience, and empowerment for the communities we serve.

In Haiti, where access to traditional banking services is limited and economic opportunities can be scarce, VSLA groups are revolutionizing the way vulnerable women and families manage their finances and build brighter futures. We are setting up VSLA groups in six out of our 24 partner communities, and we hope to grow this program with your support.

Here are 5 reasons why VSLA programs in Haiti are so vital, especially during these challenging times.

1. Accessibility: Many of our partner communities are located in isolated areas, far from banks and financial institutions. By bringing financial services directly to these communities, we are breaking down barriers and providing opportunities for economic growth right at people’s doorsteps.
2. Inclusion: Microfinance institutions and banks often have strict credit criteria that exclude many community members. With VSLAs, everyone has the opportunity to participate, regardless of their financial status or background. This inclusivity is key to ensuring that no one is left behind.
3. Breaking Dependency: Too often, communities find themselves trapped in cycles of dependency, believing they have no money to save. VSLA groups empower individuals to take control of their finances, save for the future, and break free from the cycle of poverty.
4. Resilience: Economic shocks and domestic emergencies like what Haiti is experiencing today can devastate vulnerable families. With VSLA, members build up savings and a small insurance fund, providing a safety net during times of crisis and ensuring they can weather any storm.
5. Financial Literacy: In communities where literacy levels are low and formal financial services can be intimidating, VSLA offers a simple and accessible alternative. Through our training and support, participants gain the knowledge and confidence to manage their finances effectively.

Today, 90% of participants in Hope for Haiti’s VSLA groups have started small businesses thanks to loans made within their communities. This is not just about financial transactions; it’s about empowerment, dignity, and self-reliance.

But our work is far from over. With your continued support, we can expand VSLA groups to all the communities where Hope for Haiti works, unlocking the full economic potential of every individual and driving sustainable development from the ground up.

Together, we are building a brighter future for Haiti, one VSLA group at a time. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our mission.

With gratitude,

Wilner Saint-Preux

Economic Development Program Manager

Hope for Haiti

Support Our Work Today

The post 5 Ways Grassroots Village Savings and Loan Programs are Helping Rural Haiti appeared first on Hope for Haiti.

Healthcare: A Basic Human Right

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and we kicked it off by holding a specialized training session for nurses at our Infirmary St. Etienne in Les Cayes, Haiti. Public Health Program Coordinator Miss Claudine said this training aimed to increase the number of Hope for Haiti nurses who can collaborate with the screening team, bolstering our efforts in the fight against cervical cancer. Since this summer, our team has provided 4,839 cervical cancer screenings.

Between July and December 2023, the Hope for Haiti team has provided more than 50,000 patient consultations through our Infirmary St. Etienne and mobile clinics. Thanks to your support, we’re able to bring needed medication and healthcare access to children, parents, and grandparents in southern Haiti.

Support Healthcare

Opening Doors Through Financial Literacy

37 students from Collège Paul IV in the commune of Aquin have been partaking in training sessions focused on financial education and entrepreneurship, hosted by the Hope for Haiti team, to enable them to become self-sufficient and capable of developing business ideas. This program is funded in part by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Among the 37 student participants, 24 are young women, aged 16 to 24.

More About Economic Development

Increasing Access to Education

Today, 250 million children and adolescents are not in school and 763 million adults are illiterate, according to UNESCO. With your support, our Education team is working hard to change that by making high-quality education more accessible in rural southern Haiti by providing teacher training, tuition assistance and scholarships, and helping build safe and child-friendly classrooms. Our programs currently support 6,358 students in southern Haiti!

Pictured above is our latest school inauguration ceremony, in Baradères on December 15. The new primary school provides a safe and reliable learning environment for 580 students. Thank you again to Stichting HomePlan, GDG Beton Construction, and Kardia Transport (Sebastian Festa) for their partnership throughout this project.

Support Education

Less Than One Month Until Our 35th Anniversary Gala!

Save Your Seat!

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