Our Story
Partnering with Haitian families to build brighter futures through education, health, clean water and sanitation.
Hands Helping Haiti is a small organization whose mission is to empower the people of the Sud-Est region near Jacmel through self-help projects. The three focus areas are education, water and health. On the ground, projects are the Modern School in Savanette, the Water Project, and periodic Medical Clinics. We are incorporated as a 501c(3) non-profit organization and our Federal Tax ID number is 46-0609237. We are supported primarily by private donations from individuals, churches, religious communities and corporations. donations, largely from private individuals. Approximately 95% of our expenditures are spent in Haiti on our project focus areas.
Hands Helping Haiti began working in the Jacmel area in 2004 through medical clinics. Soon the people told us that they would like a school in their community (Savanette and Leoganne), because a large river is between them and Jacmel. Their children were not able to go to school when the river was high (no bridge). We began building classroom by classroom in 2008. We kept adding classrooms as the children grew up. Now the school includes a certified high school. Students excel at the government tests and families seek to have their children attend there.
Through the medical clinics we discovered the extreme need for clean water, improved sanitation and hygiene. Rather than just treating for the many illnesses caused by waterborne diseases, and observing that many miss school and work due to these diseases, we wanted to fix the root of the problem. We began a household biosand water filter program in 2010, which allows the Haitian people to take control of the issue themselves to make the water safe for themselves and families.
FAQs
Who do you help?
We work with Haitian families to improve education, health, clean safe water and sanitation.
How do programs work?
Our programs empower communities through self-help initiatives focusing on lasting change.
Can I volunteer or donate?
Yes! Volunteers and donors are vital to our mission. Your support helps families access clean water and education. Since our work is self-help with Haitian leadership and workers, the primary need are the financial resources to conduct the programs. Mission trips are also an opportunity to work with the medical clinic, even if you are not a health professional. Water and sanitation country visits are scheduled as projects arise and for project quality assurance. All trips are on hold at this time due to the security and safety issues.
Where is your work based?
We operate directly in Haitian communities alongside local partners. Our school is located in a small commune called Savanette, which is in Leoganne, several miles west of Jacmel, Haiti. Our biosand filter production facility is located in Jacmel. We are installing water filters and educating families on proper water and sanitation throughout the mountainous and remote areas of the Southeast Province.
How can I get involved?
Reach out through our website to learn about volunteering or donating.