Dear Haiti Friends,
Our friends at the non-profit WORK have just reported that a gang seeking to expand its territory has violently forced WORK’s partners in Menelas and Trutier out of their homes. These are areas just north of Cite Soliel in Port-au-Prince and resources are scarce to begin with. The WORK story is an inspiring one of moving families out of poverty through dignified work in a crucial field, the recycling of plastics which WORK actually does better than most of our recycling efforts here in the US. Through WORK’s assistance, families have been able to develop robust life skills and move themselves into stable homes with education for their children and access to health care. With their customary energy and resourcefulness WORK has identified very temporary shelter and is moving quickly to support their families. If you are a regular or occasional supporter of WORK, they would be grateful for a little extra at this time, and they’ve put up an emergency link: https://us.list-manage.
They also included links to the following news articles about the Port-au-Prince area:
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| As you know I have been reporting regularly on the displacement in the Artibonite around Mirebalais, since so many Episcopal church and school partnerships are located in that area and so many of you have friends there. The initial action happened in March 2025, and families have still not been able to return home more than a year later. The Episcopal church (along with others) is still working to build temporary shelters, to which many of you have contributed. They’ve gotten as far as foundations and walls, with a roof yet to come. Meanwhile they were able to find a small amount of space to rent which enabled them to get a few of the more frail elderly refugees under cover. I know it seems like there’s never any end to the need, but again, anything helps. Below my signature is a thank you letter from Pere Jean Philippe Jean Alphonse from St. Pierre Mirebalais who is heading up the construction of the first shelter. He asked that it be shared with all who have supported the project financially or through prayer. Of course, here again your continued support is most welcome, and it may be sent directly through the protocols for the Partnership Program or may be sent through any of the Mirebalais area partnerships.
Yours, Serena |
—– Forwarded Message —–
From: Jean Alphonse JEAN ALPHONSE <jjeanalphonse54@gmail.com>
Je te présente mes salutations chrétiennes et je profite de cette occasion pour te faire part de l’état d’avancement des travaux.
Du fond du cœur, merci pour ton geste d’amour, de solidarité et de soutien envers nous. Grâce à ton accompagnement et à la grâce de Dieu, les travaux avancent peu à peu. Il nous reste encore à réaliser le toit, le macadam, les crépissages, les portes, les fenêtres, les toilettes, ainsi que d’autres finitions importantes.
Nous n’avons rien de matériel à t’offrir en retour pour ton soutien incommensurable, mais Dieu voit tout et connaît tout. Nous prions afin qu’Il te récompense abondamment pour tout le bien que tu fais pour nous.
Que le Seigneur nous prenne en grâce, qu’Il te bénisse, te protège et t’accorde paix, santé et abondantes bénédictions.
Avec toute notre reconnaissance et nos prières fraternelles.
Père Alphonse +
Translation: I extend to you my Christian greetings and take this opportunity to provide you with an update on the progress of the construction work.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your act of love, solidarity, and support toward us. Thanks to your assistance—and the grace of God—the work is moving forward, little by little. We still have to complete the roof, the paving, the plastering, the doors, the windows, the restrooms, as well as other important finishing touches.
We have nothing material to offer you in return for your immeasurable support, but God sees all and knows all. We pray that He may reward you abundantly for all the good you are doing for us.
May the Lord look upon us with favor; may He bless you, protect you, and grant you peace, health, and abundant blessings.
With all our gratitude and fraternal prayers,
Father Alphonse +