Help Rural Haitian Communities Protect Themselves from COVID-19

HDI has consulted with our grassroots partners to learn what the situation is on the ground and what their needs are – are there COVID cases yet? do community members have access to the tools and information they need to protect themselves?

We learned that rural leaders need resources to educate people about the risks of COVID-19 and help them adopt social distancing and sanitation practices that will protect them from infection. These proactive steps are urgent, because those who become sick will have little access to medical care and no other social safety net.

Rural leaders have the trust of their communities, so they are a credible source of information.  Their organizations can spearhead efforts to communicate effectively, distribute masks and sanitizers, and set up community handwashing stations near markets and other public places people cannot avoid.  In addition, they are the traditional source of support for vulnerable community members. Nearly 4 million Haitians were at crisis levels of food insecurity before COVID-19’s economic disruption.

Please give to our emergency grantmaking fund to help community organizations accompany their communities through this crisis. 

HDI can reach the poorest people through small grants to the vetted local nonprofits who are the most effective actors to respond to this crisis. Our ambitious goal is $250,000.  Your contribution will help us channel life-saving assistance to those who will otherwise be missed.

Thank you for your support!