In August 2021, Haiti was hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, leveling many communities throughout the southern part of the country. If you’ve ever donated to a Haitian charity, I’m certain you join us in our feelings of sadness and frustration. To see the first free black republic in the Americas struggling so much is heartbreaking, particularly when they are your own people. We all ask ourselves: What’s it going to take to help this country to develop? When does the charity end? The truth is I don’t have those long-term answers. I just know that the immediate need is great, and my goal is to take this step-by-step, one Haitian village at a time.

This brings me to Castaches, a section in Jérémie, pictured below, it was almost completely devastated by the earthquake. I’ve been in direct communication with the community leader of this village and he says, as always, his community is often forgotten when tragedy strikes. 

Sadly the 2021 earthquake isn't the regions first earthquake. It was hit by the 2010 Haitian earthquake and in 2016 the region was almost completely destroyed by Hurricane Matthew. In a New York Times article, following the aftermath of the hurricane, Marie Roselore Auborg, the minister for commerce and industry in the Grand Anse department (Jérémie is the capital), stated “Instead of going forward, we have to restart,” and that Hurricane Matthew "leveled all of the potential we had to grow and reboot our economy.”

It is for this reason, following this most recent tragedy, I have decided to somewhat adopt this village. I want to help as many people as I can to help rebuild their lives. Right now, we’re asking for cash donations, however, I am also organizing a local drive where we will be collecting goods to send to Haiti by the end of this month. I will be posting about the local drop-off areas soon.

If you’d like to donate to Haiti click the button below to send your donation via PayPal

*Please write "Donate to Haiti" in the memo section.

Why PayPal and not GoFund Me? My goal is to raise as much money as possible without having proceeds be subjected to percentage deductions. As I previously mentioned, Castaches, was hit hard by the earthquake and I want to make sure that every cent donated is given directly to the community. 

In addition to your donation, you will also be sent monthly updates on how your donation is being distributed and used within the community. You will be sent these updates to the email associated with your PayPal donation.

Thank you for helping me to help my people.