Pray for Haiti

Political turmoil, economic instability and desperate circumstances have led to a crisis with extreme gang violence throughout the country. Port-au-Prince, the Department of Artibonite and other areas of the country have been affected by violence. The majority of Port-au-Prince is controlled by gangs. You can learn more about the Haiti crisis here.

We know you’re worried about the child you sponsor, and we’re so thankful for the love and care you give them. Rest assured that we’re committed to providing you with any updates we have as things change. If the child you sponsor is directly impacted, we’ll reach out to you as soon as possible.

We praise God that, as of right now, most of our church partners and the children in their care live in areas less affected by the unrest, and they're continuing their programs as normal.

Many children and families across Haiti feel the effects of violence, such as food and fuel shortages. But those in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area and parts of the Artibonite region are surrounded by unrest and violence daily.

Food is hard to get for many in Haiti. Gang violence in Haiti’s main agricultural region (Artibonite), has impacted food production. Gang-run checkpoints and blockades have stopped food from reaching families that need it.

We praise God that, as of right now, most of our church partners and the children in their care live in areas less affected by the unrest, and they're continuing their programs as normal.

In areas where violence is heavy, our frontline church partners sometimes have to pause in-person gatherings at local Compassion centers. But they continue to provide support however they can, whether through home visits or virtually. They also look for opportunities to gather in person whenever it is safe to do so.

A small number of our partners have had to pause programming for the safety of all involved. The children cared for by those partners are being directed, when possible, to another church that can continue supporting them. We will update you if your sponsored child is directed to another church.

For children specifically, we’re working tirelessly in partnership with the local church to protect those in the Compassion program. The support children and families receive will vary, but may include hygiene kits, health care or cash transfers to help with relocation costs, safer shelter, food needs and more.

We also provide the mental, emotional and spiritual support children need to fight back against fear during this time.

For all involved, including children, families, staff and volunteers, we’re actively changing how we deliver support to prioritize their safety. For example, we might support families virtually or visit them in their homes rather than gathering in large groups.

Each person responds to conflict or distressing experiences differently. Some children may need time to feel comfortable sharing about their experiences, while others may want to share about it quite openly in their messages to you. Still other children may choose to process their experiences in a different way — perhaps with their parents, their pastor, a frontline church partner staff member or another trusted adult. Like you, we respect a child's right to share their experiences with those they choose to.

Even if your sponsored child doesn't share their experiences with you, you can play a valuable role in helping them feel known and loved through your messages. We’re committed to ensuring that every child receives age-appropriate support to heal from any forms of trauma they experience.

Yes, you can still send letters and gifts to show your sponsored child that you love and care for them. While your letters and gifts may be delayed, we’ll do our best to deliver them as we’re able. Just imagine the hope your letter will bring!

Another way to support your sponsored child is through prayer. God cares for the children and families in Haiti, and he hears our prayers for them! Here are some specific prayer points to consider:

• Pray for the protection of children, families, volunteers and staff affected by the violence.
• Pray for courage and safety for churches, pastors, church leaders and volunteers.
• Pray for Compassion staff and volunteers who are under immense pressure as they lead their communities.
• Pray for a solution to the crisis and an end to the violence.
• Pray for Haiti’s leadership to stand up and provide direction and stability.

Sending letters means our staff must travel to our processing facility. However, it’s not always safe for them to do so. To keep our staff safe, we have temporarily paused our process for delivering letters. However, we will process letters as it is safe to do so.

As for gifts, it’s not always safe for our church partners to deliver financial gifts to children and their families. When it’s not safe, your gifts are held for your sponsored child and will be delivered as soon as it’s safe again.

Yes! Your monthly support is providing continued care for the child you sponsor and is a source of light in these dark times.

Your donation is helping us provide practical support to children and their families during this time of violence. While the support a child receives may vary, it can include cash transfers, food packs, health care and other necessities.

For children and families who can’t leave their homes, we’re providing support virtually or through home visits, if it’s safe to do so. In some cases, we may send families cash transfers so they can get the food and supplies they need.

Mobile money transfers allow families to meet their most pressing needs. For example, families may use the money to buy food, transportation to a safer area or even temporary housing.

Yes! We’ve partnered with churches in Haiti since 1968. We’ve stood with Haiti through many crises, from earthquakes to disease outbreaks, and we remain committed to them.

Yes — become a Compassion Responder! As a Responder, your monthly gift will help empower the local church to provide hope and relief to children and families suffering through disaster. And even a one-time donation can make a huge difference! Learn more about Compassion Responders here.