UPDATE: Haiti Protests

Photo by Dieu Nalio Chery

October 30, 2019 UPDATE:

Right now, Haitians are fearful for the future of their country. The streets of Haiti’s capital, Port-Au-Prince, are filled with protesters and smoke from burning cars and tires due to escalating political protests. Stores have been looted, access to markets is cut off for many. Schools are shut down, and prominent businesses are beginning to close their doors. 

Tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets, calling for the resignation of President Jovenel Moïse, who was recently implicated in a scandal. A combination of alleged political corruption, rising food and gasoline prices, and job shortages are the major catalysts sparking the outrage amongst Haitians.

Food for the Hungry works closely with communities affected by the shortages. As life for many has come to a standstill, accessing medical supplies and food has become more and more difficult. Tragically, one FH staff member lost their spouse due to the medical shortages. Other staff have been robbed, and the security situation for FH staff is increasingly monitored.

Today all FH sponsor children are safe and accounted for, but their communities may continue to struggle as resources become increasingly scarce. They continue to be supported through development projects and programming which are still running. Thankfully, schools in FH partner communities are functional 70% of the time. There may be a delay in sending and receiving letters from sponsor children. 

In addition to supporting existing projects in partner communities, Food for the Hungry is partnering with the World Food Programme in assessing the needs for additional resources, with plans to extend support to more vulnerable families and communities in Haiti.