Update on Haiti

By the Rev'd Canon Dr. Greg Jenkins, as Diocesan Rep of
Alongside Hope: Anglicans and partners working for change in Canada and around the world

I was recently giving a presentation at one of our generous diocesan churches on behalf of PWRDF / Alongside Hope. Someone there asked an excellent question: Did PWRDF stop supporting Haiti years ago due to the political instability and escalating violence there?

The good news is no, we have not stopped. Our work alongside Haitian communities continues, ensuring that essential programs reach those most in need. For decades, Alongside Hope has supported Haiti through partnerships that empower local communities.

From healthcare and education to food security and economic development, PWRDF / Alongside Hope has stood by Haitians, adapting to new challenges and finding innovative ways to deliver assistance even when access was difficult.

One of our key active partnerships is with Rayjon Share Care, a Canadian non-profit working alongside Haitian-led initiatives, including the Haitian Women’s Federation. Together, they have built sustainable projects that uplift communities, particularly women, by fostering economic self-sufficiency and food security.

A recent success story from this partnership is the breadfruit project, which highlights the power of local solutions to food insecurity. Breadfruit is a highly nutritious, drought-resistant crop that provides an abundant source of food. One breadfruit tree can produce more than 700 fruit a year. We need only one breadfruit to feed about 10 people. However, in the past, much of the harvest was wasted due to a lack of processing facilities.

With Alongside Hope’s funding and support, the Haitian Women’s Federation has now established a breadfruit processing factory, transforming this perishable fruit into flour that can be stored long-term. This initiative creates economic opportunities for women, supports local farmers, and improves nutrition for children. 

One of the key products made from breadfruit flour is comparet, a traditional Haitian biscuit rich in vitamins and minerals. The women have partnered with a local bakery to produce and distribute these biscuits, providing over 3,000 comparets to four local schools and community organizations. This project not only addresses hunger but also generates income for reinvestment into the community.

The breadfruit initiative is part of a larger reforestation and sustainable agriculture effort. Haiti has suffered from severe deforestation, leading to soil erosion and increased vulnerability to natural disasters. The women of the Federation have planted hundreds of breadfruit trees, alongside other fruit and vegetable crops, creating a demonstration farm that serves as a model for sustainable food production.

Breadfruit trees absorb carbon dioxide, provide shade for other crops, and require minimal water, making them ideal for Haiti’s changing climate. Additionally, these trees offer a long-term source of income since the fruit can be sold fresh or processed into flour.

Alongside Hope’s work in Haiti extends beyond food security. In partnership with Partners In Health (PIH/ZL), Alongside Hope has helped improve women’s access to healthcare, particularly for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).

For over 25 years, PIH/ZL has provided community-based healthcare in rural Haiti, where medical services were previously unavailable. GBV remains a serious issue in Haiti, with 896 cases tracked across six project sites in 2017 alone. Many women lack access to medical, psychosocial, and legal support due to economic and social barriers. Alongside Hope’s support helps bridge these gaps by funding critical healthcare services, education programs, and advocacy initiatives.

Haiti’s current political and economic instability presents significant challenges, but Alongside Hope’s approach—partnering with trusted local organizations—ensures that aid continues to reach those who need it most. Even when gang violence and logistical barriers make traditional aid delivery difficult, Alongside Hope’s community-driven model allows for continued impact.

The Haitian Women’s Federation, Rayjon Share Care, and other partners are not merely recipients of aid; they are leaders in rebuilding their communities. Through education, entrepreneurship, and agricultural innovation, they are proving that sustainable change is possible, even in the most challenging circumstances.

If you are among those Canadian Anglicans who are faithful donors, you are part of this great work! When a tree is planted, the seeds of tomorrow are also sown. As you support Haitian women, you uplift a family, a village, a nation. As you support healthcare, you restore dignity, you proclaim hope, you declare the Gospel message that all God’s children are worthy of life abundant. To contribute to this vital work, please consider making a donation through PWRDF / Alongside Hope at this link, noting in the "Comments" section that your donation is for Haiti .

Thank you for your interest and support of PWRDF / Alongside Hope. Your compassion and generosity help pave the way toward a truly just, healthy, and peaceful future.

In Christ,
 Greg

The Rev'd Canon Dr. Greg Jenkins is PWRDF / Alongside Hope Diocesan Rep for Huron.
Alongside Hope: Anglicans and partners working for change in Canada and around the world