The past 12 months have been very challenging for our brothers and sisters in Haiti, AGAIN! The political unrest and gang violence continues to put a strain on the survival of all Haitians. St. Jeanne de Chantal is less affected by all this, given it is a small rural community, but nonetheless is still affected! Uncertainty surrounding the Haitian banks’ ability to provide money to our pastor, has reduced the forward progression that St. Jeanne de Chantal and surrounding chapels have been able to achieve. Supplies, food and fuel have skyrocketed in price, and availability is greatly reduced. Gang control of Port Au Prince and the movement of supplies out of Port Au Prince continue to strangle Haiti.
Step Up For Haiti 2024 raised approximately $145,000, and funds continue to be contributed. Thank you for the great support!
The following is a list of the funds we supplied to St. Jeanne de Chantal and their purpose. In years past we have sent substantially more funds, but the banking complications have limited this in 2024.
Cows For Haiti $8,750
Teachers’ Salaries $17,600
Parish Operations $8,800
Tuition Assistance $26,400
Mobile Med. Clinic $20,000
Internet $800
Small projects $9,000
We are working with a company to drill wells in the area around Chantal and hope to have some completed in 2025.
We continue to work with Fr. Gormess improving overall life in Chantal and surrounding areas, and giving our brothers and sisters hope for Haiti’s future.
Thank you to all for your generous support!
Haiti Project Committee: Fr. Matthew Solyntjes, Alan Laubenthal, Zeb Besch, Kim Dahlhauser, Sue Haas, Mavis Black, Msgr Ed Girres, Dave Bjustrom, Mary Stevens, Cynthia Arndorfer, and Carrie Elbert