COVID-19 and Compassion’s Work in Haiti

An in-depth look at the coronavirus pandemic in Haiti

Last Updated: 07/09/2020

Coronavirus cases have been confirmed in all Haitian departments (states). Schools, universities, places of worship and factories are closed until at least mid-August. Gatherings of more than 10 people are banned, and a curfew is in place from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. However, the extreme poverty in the country makes it difficult for Compassion-assisted families to respect confinement guidelines, as they must go daily to crowded open-air markets for food and supplies. The virus is quickly spreading through crowded, densely packed neighborhoods with little or no access to running water.

All Compassion child development centers have stopped group program activities. Partner church workers are attempting to keep in touch with beneficiaries safely through phone calls and texts. They have been able to deliver 87,413 food packs and 69,659 hygiene kits and have provided medical assistance to 4,017 people. Staff members are also working to provide Bible studies and other lessons through phone calls as much as possible. A small number are available each day at the centers to deal with emergencies and in-person needs.

A Message From Compassion Haiti’s National Director

Hear from Guilbaud Saint-Cyr, National Director of Compassion Haiti, as he shares an update on how COVID-19 is affecting Compassion’s ministry in Haiti.

Recorded: 05/31/2020

How is Compassion Currently Operating in Haiti?

Below, you will find the latest information on how Compassion is currently operating in Haiti, including status updates on center openings, letter delivery and gift delivery. This is the most current information we have, though it can change quickly. Please know that even if centers are closed and letters and gifts are not being delivered, your child and his or her family are being checked in on regularly by staff. We all look forward to the day we will all be able to gather together again!

Are Compassion Centers Open?

Currently, all centers in Haiti are closed in order to abide by local guidelines. Staff members are working to create virtual programming activity, including videos and livestreams. They continue to call and check in on families, and in some communities they are able to visit children while obeying social distancing guidelines. Because of the generous support of sponsors and donors, they have been able to distribute 87,413 food packs and 69,659 hygiene kits to children and their families!

Are Children Receiving Letters?

Are Gifts Being Delivered?

Gifts continue to be distributed in Haiti. Staff members have been given the option to disburse monetary gifts to an appropriate, verified caregiver, if necessary. This applies to family gifts and child gifts (including birthday and final gifts). Families may spend the gift on whatever they consider most important to meet family needs. The caregiver will be notified whether a gift has been designated as a child gift or family gift. The caregiver will decide the best use of the money, recognizing that sometimes purchasing food or paying rent is in the best interest of a child.

Story From the Field

Hand-washing is one of the most important tools in stopping the spread of COVID-19. But for several Haitian communities, accessing water and soap is often a struggle.

While education on preventing COVID-19 is important, it is useless without hand-washing supplies. Haitian church partners are taking action.

“People living in remote communities are often at a disadvantage when it comes to information and provision,” says Lubin Dieufaite, director of a Compassion child development center in a rural area west of Cap-Haitien. “It is our duty to support them, especially in times of crisis. Giving them good information about the disease and helping them to practice hygiene is helping us in the fight against COVID-19.”

Workers have equipped their centers with buckets of clean water and soap. Sponsored children, their families and community members can easily access them and are invited to encourage others to do the same.

"Saving lives can be easy if we start to make some simple actions daily,” says Dieufaite.

How can I pray for Haiti?

This month, will you join us in praying for safety for those who still have to go into crowded markets to work? You can also visit Compassion’s COVID-19 prayer page for weekly global prayer guides.

How Can I Help?

Sponsor a Child in Haiti

Give to Compassion’s COVID-19 Relief Fund

Learn More >