This video is just 1.5 minutes long. Please click to hear an incredible update as it is your past and continued giving that has brought us to this pivotal moment!

Friends,

As we approach the end of 2024, we reflect on the incredible resilience of the children in Haiti, even amidst the country’s most devastating humanitarian crisis to date. Thanks to your unwavering support, the children under HRI’s care continue to show remarkable strength and hope.

Haiti is currently facing the worst hunger emergency in the western hemisphere. Over 5.4 million people are experiencing acute hunger, with 6,000 individuals on the brink of starvation, as reported by the World Food Program. Escalating gang violence and political instability have led to unprecedented levels of displacement—over 702,000people have been forced to flee their homes this year alone, making Haiti the world leader in displacements due to crime-related violence. Just last week, another 10,000 individuals were displaced, including two of HRI’s own dedicated staff.

In the face of these challenges, the children we serve in over a dozen orphanages continue to thrive. Thanks to your generous contributions, hundreds of orphans are receiving nutritious meals, staying healthy, and attending school—nurturing their dreams for a brighter future.

However, the situation remains dire for many. Thousands of children living in camps for displaced persons endure inadequate shelter and have little to no access to food, clean water, or education. Their suffering is profound; each day, they face the elements with uncertainty and fear, longing for basic necessities and safety.

Similarly, in Guatemala, “Corruption, inequality, weak rule of law, and insecurity contribute to high levels of poverty and elevated crime rates, resulting in some of the lowest social development indicators in Latin America. In addition, Guatemala has the youngest population in Latin America (median age of 23). A majority of youth struggle to obtain sufficient education, training, and job opportunities.”(USDOS)

Years of drought and crop failure have caused extreme food insecurity. One third of the population is food insecure. Guatemala has the highest rate of stunting in the Western Hemisphere (47%),which is the 6th highest rate in the world. In some parts of the predominantly indigenous Western Highlands it jumps to 70%. (USAID)

This year, we have been fortunate to receive grants from organizations like the World Food Program, RTI, and the Embassy of Japan, which recognized the impact of our programs and enabled us to expand to serve children in the Western Highlands. Yet, these resources fall far short of meeting the overwhelming need in our communities.

As December approaches, over 150 orphans are losing their sponsors. At the same time, our grant to serve 700 children in the Western Highlands will conclude. We also continue to struggle to provide enough water for the more than 13,400 displaced persons we serve at four camps for the displaced.

You have already made a remarkable impact, helping over 24,000people this year! As we look toward the new year, we invite you to consider making a generous donation to support the orphans and extremely vulnerable, displaced children. Your contribution will not only provide immediate relief but will also help to save lives.

Thank you for your compassion and support. Together, we can bring hope and change to those who need it most.

Warm regards,

Rachel Zelon
Founder & CEO