top of page

Blog

Search

 Nearly three years ago, on July 7th, 2021, Haiti's forty-third president, Jovenel Moïse, was assassinated, exacerbating an already precarious food security situation in the country. Following his death, political instability and gang violence have increased leaving almost five million Haitians to go hungry and need food assistance (according to recent UN figures). Jean-Martin Bauer, the Country Director in Haiti for the World Food Program, states that “Haitians are on the edge - every other person is now hungry. Rising hunger is fuelling the security crisis that is shattering the country. We need urgent action now - waiting to respond at scale is not an option”. 


Since the death of Moïse, gangs have started to rise in power, and now control up to 90 percent of the nation’s capital, using hunger as a weapon in order to coerce their local population. This violent increase has led to rising prices, low agricultural production, political turmoil, civil unrest, and severe poverty. Various gangs have disrupted food supplies, erected roadblocks, and occasionally paralyzed the economy through threats and blockades, aiming to assert their control. Due to this surge in gang violence, and their new influence, over 360,000 civilians have been displaced across the country within this year alone. 





Now, years after the assassination of  President Jovenel Moïse, the security situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, with gangs controlling a massive percentage of the capital. Record levels of kidnapping, violence, and hunger have plunged the nation into a deep crisis, forcing many citizens to rely on food aid and humanitarian assistance for survival. 


At Dare Humanity we aim to tackle food insecurity with our Men Kontre Program, providing food supplies to families in the nation’s Capital twice a month. In order to effectively combat food scarcity, it is important to get the Men Kontre Program back up and running as soon as possible. We need your assistance to continue aiding and nourishing the vulnerable population of Port au Prince which will not only provide food security for affected families, but will help contribute to long-term prosperity in Haitian communities. Help us feed Haiti! Donate now!


Sources:


5 views0 comments
Writer's pictureMissy Hangartner

Haitian Heritage Month began in the 1930’s and is celebrated every year in May. The month-long festivities include parades, festivals, flag-raisings, and programs on Haiti’s historical and cultural contributions. Florida is one of the states which have led the way in American celebrations for heritage month.  This year events included performances by Haitian artists as well as dancing, and Haitian cuisine and art.




The main event during Haitian Heritage Month is Haitian Flag Day on May 18th. Flag Day honors patriotism and the creation of the Haitian flag in 1803 during the Haitian revolution.

The flag of Haiti has a rich history of revisions. One of the more considerable changes to the flag was the dropping of the white stripe in 1803 to symbolize the separation of Haiti from the French.


Between 1804 and 1986, the Haitian flag underwent several more changes, including the 1806 addition of the message “L’union fait la force” (“Strength in unity”) at the center. This version of the flag was formalized by the official adoption of the 1987 Constitution.



8 views0 comments
Writer's pictureMissy Hangartner

Haitians have been largely housebound as of late, afraid to leave the relative safety of their homes due to ongoing gang activity surrounding the country. The UN estimates that gangs control 80% of the capital city of Port au Prince. The people of Haiti remain resilient nevertheless, as evidenced by recent signs of a semblance of normal life resuming. A student venturing outside to bravely find a route to school, a woman selling fresh produce on the street to provide for her family; these are all examples of the courage Haitians are showing amidst ongoing violence and instability.


Haiti has experienced rising prices for supplies like gasoline and food products. These increasing costs combined with job losses have sunk Haiti’s economy even further. It is estimated that 94% of households have no food saved up and rely on daily purchases to provide their meals.  


On April 30th, Haiti’s transitional council named a new council president and proposed a new interim prime minister. This nine person committee will implement certain presidential authority until a new president-elect is inaugurated, which must happen by February 2026.



We hope these newly appointed positions will provide new stability and safety to Haiti. However, the nutrition situation remains bleak as an estimated five million people face acute food insecurity. It is more essential than ever to continue supporting programs like Men Kontre (Helping Hands) to battle against hunger and provide food for vulnerable children and families.


We are inspired by Haitians’ determined spirit to press forward and once again pick up daily activities. If you also feel empowered by them, we encourage you to get involved and learn how you can support our friends in Haiti during this critical time!




Sources:







0 views0 comments
bottom of page