The Challenge in Haiti

Lack of government funding, infrastructure, political instability, inflation, access to food and clean water, and vulnerability to natural disasters, are just some of the challenges of people living in Haiti. Malnutrition has led to health issues in both children and adults. In rural areas there is rampant unemployment, and unstable weather patterns can quickly ruin a small enterprise like a kitchen garden, chicken coop, or pig farm.

Large families are crowded into small homes built with mud, branches, and tree fronds. Lack of sanitary latrines and access to clean water mean water borne diseases are common. Parents do the best they can to care for their children and community members look out for each other, extending help whenever they can.

The Change in Haiti

The love of our supporters and the dedicated staff at our sponsor sites have improved the quality of life for families in our sites.

Sponsorship gives families the resources they need to keep their children in school. Chalice's family funding sponsorship distribution puts money directly into caregivers' bank accounts to buy the items their children need to succeed. The difference a uniform, school supplies, shoes and proper nutrition make in the life of a child is remarkable. Education equips future community leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to bring lasting change to a community.

The addition of a school lunch program in 2016 ensures children are fed and have the energy needed to learn. Knowing they will have a meal also encourages consistent attendance.

Projects and programs in the past 10 years have made a lasting impact on the people and communities we serve. From building hundreds of safe homes in Haiti South, to water projects, entrepreneurial ventures like hen barns and a jam co-op, and most recently a safe and sanitary latrine for Ecole Notre Dame de Lourdes in Haiti North and much needed repairs to the auditorium and washrooms at the Immaculate Conception School in Haiti South.

Our sites in Haiti

HAITI NORTH
Chalice sponsorship began in the communities of Terrier-Rouge and Grand-Bassin in 1999. Haiti has been struggling with significant political upheaval and contracting economy. Food security is a primary and growing concern. Through the Chalice nutrition program, children in schools benefit from school meals. The site conducts health assessments for the children and monitors their development and provides workshops for parent groups on the importance of nutrition. The site runs a successful community poultry cooperative program.

HAITI SOUTH
Chalice has been working in the communities on Haiti’s southern tip since 2000, currently partnering with Missionnaires de l’Annonciation - Semeurs d’Espoir, an organization led by a religious Sister and staffed by religious brothers and lay associates. Haiti has been struggling with significant political upheaval and a contracting economy. Food security is a primary and growing concern. The site supports several school canteens and lunch programs through Chalice’s nutrition program. In schools that do not have a canteen, families receive kits of food to prepare at home. In the wake of the 2010 earthquake and Hurricane Matthew in 2016, Chalice supported several housing and water reconstruction projects throughout the area.