COVID-19 and Compassion’s Work in Honduras

An in-depth look at the coronavirus pandemic in Honduras

Last Updated: 07/09/2020

The level of coronavirus testing is extremely low in Honduras, making it difficult to get an accurate view of how the country has been affected. The public health system has limited capacity for handling severe cases of COVID-19. All borders are closed and a national quarantine is in place. Public gatherings (sports, cultural, social and religious events, etc.) and public transportation are suspended, and most businesses are closed. Only hospitals, supermarkets, pharmacies, banks and gas stations are open.

Accordingly, all Compassion programs and activities are canceled. Program staff members have delivered 46,839 food packs and 19,840 hygiene kits and are reinforcing hygiene and safety measures with caregivers. They have also been able to facilitate medical support for 1,032 people since the quarantine began. All who are delivering food have undergone training by the local government on safety measures. Church workers are keeping in touch with families via phone calls and are conducting live video classes for the children.

A Message From Compassion Honduras’ National Director

Hear from Yolanda Rodas, National Director of Compassion Honduras, as she shares an update on how COVID-19 is affecting Compassion’s ministry in Honduras.

Recorded: 05/31/2020

How is Compassion Currently Operating in Honduras?

Below, you will find the latest information on how Compassion is currently operating in Honduras, 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?

At this point, all centers in Honduras are closed in order to abide by local guidelines. Staff members are still calling and checking 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 46,839 food packs and 19,840 hygiene kits to children and their families!

Are Children Receiving Letters?

Are Gifts Being Delivered?

Gifts continue to be distributed in Honduras, although they are currently delayed. In some communities, staff members have needed to disburse monetary gifts to an appropriate, verified caregiver. 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

In March, during the COVID-19 quarantine, 6-year-old Allisson and her single father, Jimmy, lost all of their belongings when a fire tore through their home in Honduras. The pandemic had already affected Jimmy's income. Now they faced homelessness.

Thankfully, they did not have to walk through the crisis alone. Alisson is part of the Child Sponsorship Program, and center staff immediately accompanied them and provided not only spiritual support but shelter as they looked for a temporary place where Allison and her father could stay.

Recently, Allison and Jimmy moved into their new home. Allisson’s new bedroom had even been painted pink — her favorite color!

“I have no words to describe how grateful my daughter Allisson and I are with the reconstruction of our home,” says Jimmy. “We did not become homeless. Thank you, sponsors and donors, for your help.”

How can I pray for Honduras?

This month, will you join us in praying that testing will become more available in Honduras to help slow the spread of the virus? You can also visit Compassion’s COVID-19 prayer page for weekly global prayer guides.

How Can I Help?

Sponsor a Child in Honduras

Give to Compassion’s COVID-19 Relief Fund

Learn More >