Violence and Food Security in Gros Morne: Report from the Community 

"The news from Haiti is dire, and we are seeing reports that the gang activity has ramped up in Artibonite Department, where Gros Morne is located. We asked our partners, including the Montfortin priests and the RJM sisters, to tell us about the situation, and the following paragraphs summarize their words. 

"First and most importantly, they want us to remember the positive. Despite all the reports, there is hope, because the people of Haiti have an extraordinary capacity to move forward even in the face of extreme challenges. The Haitian Montfortins express pride in their people and country and in their resilience...

"Gang activity impacts nearly everyone. Everyone knows someone who has been kidnapped."

Quixote Center's Theory of Change in Haiti: Part II

"Last spring, together with our partner DCCH (Développement Communautaire Chrétien Haïtien) we initiated a survey in Gouin, located in the third section of the commune (like a county) of Les Cayes, in the south. DCCH and Quixote Center wanted to understand what interventions will make a difference in the economy of the commune so that families can support themselves.  Specifically, the study objectives were:

• Identify the income-generating activities in the community;
• Identify promising income-generating opportunities to develop further and support;
• Identify barriers and constraints to income-generating activities."

Continue reading to see the community survey results!

Actions & More

Tell Congress: 5 Nonviolent Solutions for Haiti

The violence in Haiti is untenable. Gang violence in Haiti has killed over 1,230 people between July and September of this year alone. In response, the United Nations, with U.S. leadership, has authorized Kenya to deploy troops on the ground, but this will not address the root of the violence. Tell your members of Congress to take these five, concrete steps for peace.

Tell Congress to Defend Asylum

The White House is currently trying to destroy asylum in exchange for sending billions to Ukraine, Israel, and ICE & CBP. This proposal is extreme, and would risk the lives of migrants and their families fleeing danger. This would be especially disastrous for Haitian asylum seekers. Tell your members of Congress that our government should fund solutions that uphold the humanity and dignity of migrants and protect asylum.

Artist Corner

Wilson Bigaud

"Christmas Party," courtesy of Haitian Arts Society

For Haitian painter Wilson Bigaud (1931-2010) art gave him both the possibility of overcoming poverty and the ability to examine the social fabric of Haitian life. He depicts scenes of every day life, political violence and upheaval, and biblical scenes with Haitian characters and environments. You can see more of his work HERE. 

"Miracle at Cana," courtesy of Haitian Arts Society

"Sommeil au Marche" (1955), courtesy of Haitian Arts Society

"La Revelation Rara" (1956), courtesy of Haitian Arts Society