I had a truly tough day yesterday, finding myself deeply affected by the injustices of life for so many children and families. Our Haiti Country Director, Dr. Dominique Georges, was in Les Cayes this week near the center of the August 2021 earthquake. Yesterday she shared a truly heartbreaking situation she encountered during her visit.

Let me digress for just a second to say that I know for every tragedy we identify there are thousands more suffering similar misfortunes. But I've always said, "While we may not be able to save everyone, we have to save the ones who cross our paths in this life." So, I share this with you for Farel and for every Haitian woman living similar or worse realities.

Dominique found Farel and 6 of her 7 children living on the streets. She had been unable to pay the yearly rent of $300, so they were evicted. Now, this mother and her 6 children, two of whom are twins under the age of two, are sleeping on the street. Her oldest son is in prison because he had the audacity to try to pilfer food for his dying siblings! Farel is so weak that Dominique had to help her walk. The children are all suffering from malnutrition and the awful pain of hunger.

This family needed urgent assistance. Our response was immediate - food was purchased and rent for a year was paid. We are in the process of finalizing a plan for a longer term solution to help this family.

With so many children suffering, and women abandoned to care for them alone, some days it just feels overwhelming! I say this as I also share that we are making headway, that with new partnerships arising, HRI is and we will continue to identify children in dire need and we will continue to ensure they receive the immediate, urgent and critical support they need to grow and thrive.

We could not do any of this without our donors - so, I thank you - every dollar counts as every life counts!

With hope,

Rachel

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