Hope in the COVID-19 Crisis

As the most advanced nations in the world feel the weight of the pandemic COVID-19, Haiti cowers in fear.  When the virus was discovered in Port-au-Prince last week, Haitians believed they were all going to die.  Lespwa Lavi was able to quickly implement a community action plan in Verrettes that included quelling some of those fears.  While we hope that COVID-19 will be less virulent in tropical climates, it's impact on the populace of Haiti could be catastrophic.  

With minimal access to healthcare and clean water, our Haitian friends indeed have reason to be nervous.  The government has closed schools, discouraged large gatherings and imposed a curfew.  Here are some of the measures we are taking at Lespwa Lavi:

1. Community advocates are educating the general public on preventative measures, guided by our physician medical team in the US.
2. Additional handwashing stations strategically placed in the community.
3. The feeding program will continue, however instead of feeding hundreds of children at one time, we are sending food packs home with those who have the resources to prepare it, and feeding groups of 10 for the children who cannot cook at home.  Thanks to the HaitiOne food distribution center at Mission of Hope, we have food for the next 3 months.
4. Church is meeting on the hillside for safe social distancing
5. We are coordinating with the nearby healthcare systems to track available resources.
6. Child advocates will continue visiting and monitoring the safety of the children in the sponsorship program.

Although we are a young organization, we are thankful that we already have a network of leaders on the ground in Haiti who are capable of leading their community through this crisis.  Please keep the nation of Haiti in your prayers.

Convoy of Hope food for 3 months.

Packing the van with food. These men who are picking the food up are risking their lives on the road.