Update on Haiti
An important update on the state of Haiti and our organization’s response
We want to thank everyone who joined Trivia Night. We raised $450 which will all go towards our health and wellness programs!
As a valued supporter of our efforts in Haiti, we wanted to provide you with an update on the current situation and the actions being taken to address the challenges facing the country.
Gangs have exerted significant influence in urban areas like Port-au-Prince, leading to increased insecurity and fear among the population. The UN has reported that gangs are now in control of over 80% of Port-au-Prince. Due to the lack of police resources, communities have started forming “vigilante” gangs that are fighting against the criminal gangs. Locals are forced to rely on these “vigilante” gangs for protection. The deliberate breakout of over 4,000 prisoners, by the gangs, has further compounded the situation. The gangs are taking charge of the airport, political buildings, and resources including gas and food. With the capital being overtaken, every day is filled with uncertainty and violence.
While Haiti is facing more turmoil than it has in decades, our programs are still up and running. This situation has increased our mission's importance and our programs' value. Since some schools have closed, our Mentorship programs offer a place for kids to come and learn. Additionally, this chaotic and violent situation greatly impacts the children’s mental health, which makes our Yoga and Sports program a safe place for children to get peace and be kids. The children in our program are confronted with horrific violence daily. They witness assault, shootings, rape, and death.
We don’t know what the future holds for Haiti but From Roots to Wings remains committed to supporting our communities through these difficult times.
Your continued support enables us to provide essential assistance, advocate for positive change, and work towards a brighter future for Haiti.
Virtual Office Hours
Due to the constant changes in the Haitian community, we will be offering virtual “office hours” to discuss the current situation. Our goal is to provide a space to answer any questions and go into more detail about how we are responding to gang violence.
Date: Sunday, April 14th
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Meeting link: https://meet.google.com/szj-iucd-orh
We are deeply grateful for your generosity and partnership in this important work. Together, we can make a difference and support Haiti on its path to recovery and resilience.
