Help Us Raise Emergency Funds
Our goal is to maintain a safe and constant environment for our kids at Hands Together Orphanage.
For the past ten years, we’ve been able to provide a home that has been a safe haven for ten incredible children—a place where they could learn, play, and grow free from fear, for the first time in their lives. Thanks to your support, we built a home in Montrouis filled with security, love, and stability.
Last week, for the first time, that security was shattered. The gangs that have been prevalent in the capital city Port-au-Prince have spread to our town of Montrouis. Men carrying assault rifles surrounded the town by car and boat and took over any property they could get their hands on. These gangs now have a hold on the city, and are constantly threatening lives, homes, and livelihoods. Women and children especially are in immediate danger. The children we care for were too frightened to eat or sleep, and any movement throughout town ceased. The gangs’ presence left us with no choice but to relocate them urgently. These gang takeovers last months if not longer, so we are planning for a long stint away from home — if home is still left standing once this is all over.
We were able to relocate the children, but now we're starting from scratch in an emergency situation. The kids and our house parents are now at a family-friend’s house about an hour away. They are now safe, and laughing and playing again — but starting over has been difficult. Because of the urgent nature of the move, we were unable to bring anything from their previous home. They fled in the cover of night with just the clothes on their backs.
Everything—from beds and clothing to food and hygiene items—will need to be purchased again. Our friend tried to help evacuate a few essential supplies while the gangs were fighting, but he was met at gunpoint with a threat to kill him if he left with anything.
We urgently need your help to provide the essentials that allow these children to survive, and feel secure and thrive once more. Our goal is to raise $4,000 by November 10 to cover:
- Food, water and kitchen essentials, including a stove
- Beds and bedding
- Clothing and personal items
- Solar panels and batteries
We were lucky to find a safe place to retreat to, when so many never have that option. Your gift today will restore a sense of normalcy to these children’s lives and ensure their safety and longevity in a place where they can again grow without fear.
Please join us in protecting these children from violence and giving them the security they deserve. Every dollar brings them closer to a home where they can be safe again.