A note from our founder at this major milestone:
For the first time in four years, I returned to Haiti.
The long gap between my visits wasn’t planned. It was the result of all the “stuff” happening in Haiti. But what I found when I arrived was what I have always known to be true: our community is still finding ways to survive, and even to thrive.
There is no doubt in my mind that our Haiti is constantly in your thoughts and prayers. Our last medical trip (surgical or otherwise) took place in 2018. We did conduct a few electrical trips during the Covid years. We went twice in 2020. So we think about this beautiful place and I know I miss seeing the mountains while standing in the school courtyard in Zorangé or on the rooftop of our facility in Bainet.
A Vision Carried by the Community Itself
Our team of professionals are carrying out the vision that they are the key to developing their own country, not in isolation but in collaboration with the friends and supporters of Hope for Haiti Foundation (HFHF) for the last 25 years.
They are working in all areas of development, education, medical, spiritual and the community. There is plenty of work to do but our team is relentless in the pursuit of continuing what we started a quarter of century ago.
I was 12 years old when I started to think of helping my town, my community and I am 62 years old today, which means for all of you math wizards I’ve been thinking about Haiti for the last 50 years!
Pausing to Reflect on the Journey
For the first time in our organization’s history, we gathered simply to look at the work we’ve done. We looked to see where we started, where we’ve been, and where we are now.
We shared hundreds of images from the year 2000 through today. There was laughter as young professionals saw photos of themselves from their earliest years. It was an evening to breathe, to take it all in, and to honor 25 years of commitment, perseverance, and shared belief.
See the full presentation and all the photos on our YouTube Channel!
Despite all of the turmoil and chaos that you read about, our team continues to push through with the work in Bainet, Gandou and Zorangé. Our Bigot clinic was turned into a hospital last year (May 2024). Our medical services to the community have increased – an Ultrasound is routine for us in our hospital now. We currently perform lab testing for other patients at our clinic. We perform lab testing at both locations. Our school continues to thrive and our church in Zorangé has 3 other churches with which they partner.
None of the work that has taken place the last 25 years could have been done without your desire to help to make an impact in a community far from you yet near and dear to your heart.
We wished everyone who has supported this work could have been there with us, but we knew that wasn’t possible. Still, one moment stood out above all others.
The Impact Made Visible
One of the highlights of the evening was seeing our former students who are now engineers, doctors, teachers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, who are currently engaged with us either through our work or some sort of collaboration.
I’ve shared a video below and you can fast forward to the last 10 secs or so where they lifted me to thank me. First of all I was shocked but mostly what went through my head was the fact you decided to join us along the way. We’ve had challenges and we’ve never let them define who we are; we’ve never let them stop us. We’ve found ways to absorb them and carry on. This would not have been possible without your commitment, passion, determination and your love for the people, my people, our people. The beautiful people of Zorangé, Bainet, Haiti.
Gratitude, Responsibility, and the Work Ahead
I am deeply grateful for all that you have done and all that you continue to do.
Today, we have a staff of about 70 people whom we support each month. At times, it is difficult to keep up — but you have always come through and kept us going. We continue to rely on your generosity as we work toward reducing dependency on international support.
The instability in the country has made it difficult to establish a clear path forward, but we remain committed to finding ways to build sustainability, even in the midst of turbulence.
Looking to the Future: Education Beyond High School
I’ve also included a progress picture of our future University campus in Bainet below. Currently there is no access to any education beyond high school in our community and we want to change that with the campus and we believe we will.
A Safe Journey, Steady Hope
The trip to Haiti was nearly perfect. Flight from Miami to Les Cayes. Landed in Les Cayes at 9:30am and at 3pm I was in Bainet driving through the mountains and staying away from Port-au-Prince. I’ve dragged John Brown on that off road drive at least once and you’ve been lucky not to take part of it, or maybe unlucky.
I will always be grateful to you and your determination and support throughout the years even when you can’t go to Haiti and I would not dare to take you. You’ve watched the news about Port-au-Prince being controlled by gangs. I find it very difficult to comprehend what’s happening. It’s one of those things that I can’t explain. There is no rhyme or reason for it and I just can’t explain it so I try not to think about the situation.
It was a safe trip for me and my family is breathing easy today now that I am back on the state side. Thank you for your awesome support and partnership! It is my hope to see you in Haiti again.
Thank you for your prayers.
Thank you for walking with us.
Thank you for believing — for 25 years!!
– Jean Elade Eloi
