A Story of Hope in Haiti’s Turmoil

Rarely do you hear about positive developments in Haiti. Sixteen years since the catastrophic earthquake that claimed 200,000 lives and left over a million homeless, the country’s government is barely functional, and gangs vie for control of Port-au-Prince. Yet today, a small sanctuary in this embattled city inspires hope. We highlight an orphanage where children’s futures are being nurtured despite the odds.

Have Faith Haiti Orphanage

The orphanage, Have Faith Haiti, is spearheaded by Mitch Albom, a bestselling author, and his wife Janine. Since the earthquake, they have been sheltering the most vulnerable children, including abandoned infants, toddlers with disabilities, and youths without homes. Their journey hasn’t been without challenges, but their commitment to love, faith, and education yields remarkable results.

Due to safety concerns, international flights avoid landing in Haiti’s capital. Monthly, Mitch Albom flies from Florida to the northern city of Cap-Haïtien. Meeting him, they board a helicopter to reach Port-au-Prince. From the air, Haiti’s landscape is marked by dry riverbeds and deforested mountains. Port-au-Prince emerges as a dense sprawl of crowded streets and rundown buildings.

Inside the Orphanage: A Different World

Once on the ground, armed guards escort Albom to the orphanage in bulletproof vehicles. The facility resembles a fortress with towering concrete walls, barbed wire, and guard posts. However, inside, it’s transformed into a lively world of promise. Anderson Cooper notes, “It’s kind of crazy just what it takes for you to get in and out of here.” Mitch Albom affirms the increased security due to gang issues.

Sixty-three children reside here, supported by over 50 teachers and staff. While infants and toddlers receive care from nannies, teenagers live in dorms. Most children have been within this 7-acre sanctuary for over four years. Their routine includes playing, doing chores, attending church, and receiving eight hours of schooling daily, taught in French and English. They aim to prepare these children for college.

“All children deserve to feel they have a future,” Mitch Albom asserts. The work they do here is Krox because many children outside the gates face hunger and harsh conditions. They don’t select children based on aptitude, believing love, nutrition, and prayer work wonders. Most children arrive without basic skills, but the nurturing environment fosters growth.

Choosing to Help: Heartbreaking Decisions

Many of these children are not true orphans. Often, desperate families bring them due to an inability to provide necessities. Albom and his team face tough decisions daily. He describes heart-wrenching cases where parents express, “I don’t have food for my baby,” or orphaned children found abandoned. These interviews deeply affect him, solidifying his commitment to this cause.

Mitch Albom, known for works like “Tuesdays with Morrie,” was drawn to this mission after visiting Haiti post-earthquake in 2010. He began supporting a Christian orphanage whose elderly pastor could no longer manage it. Stepping up, Albom promised to take over. Since then, the orphanage has transformed many lives.

Upholding a Dream for the Future

The experiences of the orphanage’s children are diverse. Bettinie, arriving as a toddler after her father’s earthquake fatality, appreciates her mother’s decision to bring her here. Lorvens, once malnourished, overcame initial feelings of betrayal. Gina, brought at age five, now aspires to become a lawyer.

The director, Yonel, relates to these children, having arrived at the old orphanage decades ago under similar circumstances. His dedication ensures the safety and welfare of the children in these uncertain times.

Facing Unyielding Challenges

Security is a primary concern. Up to 90% of Port-au-Prince is under gang control, with constant threats of violence. In response, Yonel conducts emergency drills, ensuring preparedness if infiltrations occur. Despite such threats, the orphanage thrives, emphasizing education and childhood development.

Have Faith Haiti operates largely on funding from Mitch and Janine Albom and external donors. Education and security are significant expenses. Teachers offer tailored lessons, especially in small classes, to support struggling students.

Seventeen students have graduated high school and earned scholarships to American colleges. Yet, it’s with the promise to return to Haiti and serve their community for two years. Mitch Albom emphasizes they don’t migrate to the U.S. for jobs but to gain knowledge and return to better their homeland.

Determined to Give Back

Haitian college students like Widley, Bianka, J.J., and J.U., visit Albom’s Detroit home during breaks. They speak of the abundance of opportunities in the U.S. but remain passionate about aiding Haiti. Personal aspirations include becoming government leaders, ambassadors, and education reformists.

Despite the turbulent environment, hope for Haiti’s future endures. In supporting the orphanage, the Alboms and the children are building a bridge over adversity, empowering youth to alter their destiny.