When Hurricane Matthew slammed into the Sous Savanne area, many living in shanties quickly realized that their meager dwellings could not provide shelter from the strong winds and torrential, driving rain. Fortunately, some lived within close proximity to neighbors who were recipients of a Hope Force International (HFI) House of Hope (HOH).  When Hurricane Matthew reached the community, those living in a House of Hope provided a place of refuge for their vulnerable and exposed neighbors. 

Assessments of the damage have been conducted.  While we are grateful that the majority of homes of the 150 children in our Child Sponsorship Program (CSP) have weathered the storm with minor damages, the assessments reveal that twelve homes in the Sous Savanne area have been completely destroyed -- six of which are CSP homes. Additionally, nineteen more homes sustained major damage -- fourteen of those being CSP homes.  Many more homes were affected with minor damage, but those families are able to continue to dwell in them.

HFI has weighed options on how to best help our dear friends in Sous Savanne. Due to high costs in Haiti, we discovered that a temporary home of plywood and tin that would probably not withstand another hurricane, costs approximately $2,300.00. That's nearly half the cost of a House of Hope -- which is a permanent, concrete dwelling. Not one of our 60 HOH homes was lost due to Hurricane Matthew!

In addition to the need for more Houses of Hope, funds are also being sought to assist with critical losses associated with the impact of Hurricane Matthew in greater Sous Savanne.  Families in the area are sustained largely by subsistence farming and small-scale horticulture.  Much of the village-area livestock was lost – as well as crops that the communities depend upon.  It is anticipated that this will have an immediate and longer-term impact on quality of life for all. 

Because we know you love our adopted village and have left your hearts behind as we have, we wanted to reach out and ask you to help us bring help and hope to our friends. Would you please consider sharing this with your friends, family and church?  The cost of a House of Hope is only $5,600 -- and perhaps your circle of influence would want to join you in this endeavor as you share the need.  While some of us might not be able to provide housing for these families on our own --  one by one, and with the help of our extended family and friends, we can make a world of difference for our adopted community!

Also, any amount given for immediate relief will go a long way in helping the community recover from this devastating storm.  Please know that we are grateful for how you have joined us in giving your hearts to a community that has, in turn, loved us right back in such a wonderful way....