Boots on the Ground
Thanks to your generosity, our team in Haiti is able to get help to the remote communities where we partner. We have sent emergency funds to purchase medical supplies and meet other urgent needs. Jeanne and Jules will be delivering these supplies and funds directly to our partners over the weekend.
Earthquake, August 14, 2021
Many of us have been watching the footage of the earthquake that hit Southern Haiti on Saturday morning. We saw the leveled buildings and watched as children were pulled out from under the rubble. Along with our Haitian brothers and sisters, we lament in shock and disbelief at yet another tragedy for Haiti to endure.
The Opportunity of Knowledge
As a new day begins in Meloniere, 200 students (K-6) start arriving at school, prepared to start lessons. They arrive in their uniforms, looking tidy despite having to travel 1-2 hours on foot. There are no public school systems in Haiti—if they are at school, it means that their parents have enough money to pay for their education. This opportunity is a privilege.
Cycle for Change
It all began with a kayak. Todd and Charity Wahrenberger were looking to upgrade Charity’s old kayak, so they posted it for sale locally. Haiti H2O’s Executive Director, Rhonda Smith, was looking for one to buy. “I’d say that’s were we really met,” said Charity. “I knew Jeff and Sarah [VanderMolen] from the Coalition for Christian Outreach—Sarah was my supervisor—so I had knwon of Haiti H2O and the development of it.”
Al and Marsha Kolbe are Sustaining Partners
Al and Marsha Kolbe are well acquainted with Haiti, and with the community of Bassin Caiman in particular. Marsha first went to Haiti with Friendship Church, a trip led by Jeff VanderMolen (one of Haiti H2O’s founders) in 2003: “When Friendship went that first time, a lot of families came...it was a really meaningful trip.” Reflecting on her first impressions of the country, Marsha said, “I remember the airport—you come off the plane and go to the baggage area—it’s so busy. [All the] sights and sounds...it was a little overwhelming!”
Donor Interviews: Meet Anita Harnish
Anita Harnish was first introduced to the people of Haiti in 1990 when she found herself replacing a chaperone on a youth mission trip to Cottin, a small village outside of Port-au-Prince. From that, she continued to visit Haiti through Beyond Borders, a nonprofit that helps Haitians liberate themselves from oppression and isolation. She had been to Port-au-Prince, Le Cayes, La Gonave, and Cap Haitien.
Sunshine on Cloudy Days
Maybe it’s the never-ending gray sky of Pittsburgh in the winter. Or perhaps it is the ominous sense of dread that seems to have set due to the disappointment, loss and constant uncertainty of the global pandemic. Then again, it might be the PES (post-electoral stress) from a contentious presidential election leading to a violent mob during political transition. Whatever it is…I have experienced doubts, disruption, and disappointments like never before.
Good Grief
We can gain wisdom from Haiti’s history as we face the recent hardships and exposure to injustices in the US.
Soup Joumou and its history in Haiti
Americans are not the only ones who use the pumpkin as a symbol during a holiday. For centuries, Haitians have been eating pumpkin soup every January 1st.
Meet Jay Thier
Our new Board President, Jay Thier, has been working hard the past few months, familiarizing himself with the projects and philosophies that shape Haiti H2O. Read his letter and get to know him better.
What’s happening with the Corn Grinder?
Read about this wonderful opportunity to help finish the Corn Grinder Micro-business