COVID-19 and Compassion’s Work in Honduras

An in-depth look at the coronavirus pandemic in Honduras

Last Updated: 07/27/2021

Honduras is reporting an average of 946 COVID-19 cases per day as of July 18. This is slightly lower than the number of cases reported July 7, which was the highest recorded so far in the country. So far, Honduras has fully vaccinated over 7% of its 9.2 million people. On July 20, the United States announced it was sending 1.5 million vaccine doses to Honduras. Honduras continues to rebuild following the 2020 hurricane season and the pandemic, with millions still facing hunger and poverty. The United States has been joined by other countries in providing aid to Honduras, which the government has stated they will use in their hurricane relief efforts.

Most Compassion child development centers are closed, but a handful have been able to begin meeting in small groups. Frontline church workers are keeping in touch with families via phone calls and are conducting video classes for the children where possible. In a few communities they can also conduct home visits. Staff have delivered over 354,000 food packs and just under 252,000 hygiene kits and have also been able to facilitate medical support for almost 8,000 people.

A Message From National Staff

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 all children and their families are being checked in on regularly by staff, either in person or by phone, even if the Compassion center is not open for programming.

Are Compassion Centers Open?

At this point, most centers in Honduras are closed in order to abide by local guidelines. A small number have been able to begin meeting in small groups. Staff members are still calling and checking on families and conducting virtual classes – in some instances, they are able to conduct home visits. Because of the generous support of sponsors and donors, they have been able to distribute over 354,000 food packs and just under 252,000 hygiene kits to children and their families!

Are Children Receiving Letters?

Are Gifts Being Delivered?

Gifts continue to be distributed in Honduras. 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

Maritza's community in rural Honduras faces a severe lack of job opportunities, making it extremely difficult for the unemployed to establish a source of income. In response to this, the local church and the Compassion center staff developed training sessions for making disinfectants, perfumes, body lotions, handmade jewelry and hair salon skills. Maritza, whose 9-year-old son, Jairo, attended the center, was eager to sign up, but she had no idea that in just a few months the skills she had learned would prove invaluable during the pandemic.

As COVID-19 spread, the demand for disinfectants grew. Seeing a need she could meet, Maritza started her own business selling disinfectants and soap. She didn’t overcharge her customers as many other store owners did, and soon she had a steadily growing business and hundreds of happy customers.

“I'm so grateful to the church staff for the opportunity I was given to be part of the vocational training,” says Maritza. “It saved my family's finances and gave us hope.”

How can I pray for Honduras?

Pray for continued rebuilding as Hondurans slowly recover from natural disasters that have compounded the effects of the pandemic. For more prayer resources, visit Compassion’s COVID-19 prayer page for prayer guides and a virtual prayer wall.

How Can I Help?

Sponsor a Child in Honduras

Give to Compassion’s COVID-19 Relief Fund

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