*THERE IS A CRITICAL NEED FOR FOOD ACCESS IN HAITI*
The UN reports that nearly 4.9 million people in Haiti, nearly half of the country's known population, are experiencing acute levels of extremely high food insecurity. Haiti has one of the highest levels of food insecurity in the world, reaching catastrophic levels in October 2022.
Through Mission Haiti, VERY GENEROUS AND FAITHFUL people provide meals to families in Port-au-Prince every month. We purchase as many meals as what we have funds donated. Right now we feed an average of 60 families a month, which is about 200-400 people. We used to feed 100 and we would like to return to that number - or even exceed it. Your gift, whatever amount, will provide food to hungry people. $50 purchases a complete food package for one family in need.
• Chicken Farms
Chickens are being raised as broilers/fryers. These are some of the 100 chickens that went to LesCayes. Another 100 went to Jeremie. And another 100 went to Colminy. A grant from Lutheran World relief and Human Care is making it possible for many families to start businesses that will help them toward self-sufficiency. The great thing about these chickens is that in 6 weeks they are ready for market; a very quick return on investment. The chickens come from a company that trains the recipients, provides vet support and guarantees the initial health of the chicks.
• Goat Co-ops
A co-op = 6 families which are chosen by the area pastor. The six families are given 25 goats to breed and are taught how to breed them. The families are also given a 1 year supply of food to sustain each family as well as food to feed the goats. This ensures that the goats do not become dinner. A shelter and fenced-in area is built to contain the goats. There is a veterinary who helps check on the health of the goats. The local pastor and Haitian Director Lophaine educate and check on the co-op and its success. Once the herd has grown in number they can sell the goats to local businesses and earn their income.
Sustainability and education are key to the survival of the co-op.
• Clean Water Project
Clean water is crucial for good health. Water borne diseases cause an untold number of illnesses and deaths in Haiti, primarily in the most vulnerable populations of the very young and the elderly. With the help of Dr. Bernd Raphael, his family and other donors we are working to provide clean water to the most in need in the city of Jacmel and the village of Colminy.
A deep clean water well has been dug near an earthquake displaced community, a delivery truck purchased, reservoirs set up in 3 separate communities and water is being delivered free to several thousand citizens in and around Jacmel weekly, but more clean water wells are needed.
The village of Colminy's well turned out to be contaminated and salty. A reservoir built by The Boston Mother's Club worked for a while to store clean water that was trucked in, however the reservoir became damaged and would no longer hold water. Mission: Haiti repaired the reservoir and now provides clean water to the community, but it is not a permanent solution.
Clean water is expensive. A deep, unsalty well costs $10,000 to dig and equip. There are places that filters need to be added and those costs are an additional $10,000. We are also investigating rain water runoff to fill the reservoir in Colminy to develop a more permanent and sustainable solution.
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