Haiti Outreach

Happy World Water Day! To celebrate World Water Day, here is a poem from our Executive Director, Ceallaigh Smart: Water's Promise: A Catalyst for Change Beneath Haiti's vibrant sun, water flows— A simple gift, yet powerful and strong, More than mere droplets that nurture and grow, It carries the promise for which we long. Clear streams connecting village to vision, Wells becoming forums where voices rise, Each drop a teacher of self-decision, Each ripple expanding before our eyes. From women who walk shorter paths each day, To children whose hands stay clean and healthy, Communities planning their future's way, Systems transforming steadily, stealthily. Water—not charity, but catalyst, For dignity, agency, stronger voice, The foundation on which change can persist, Empowering people to make their choice. So celebrate not just the flowing stream, But the hands that built the well stone by stone, The meetings where neighbors shared their dream, The ownership of what they now call home. For Haiti Outreach knows this sacred truth: Water flows deeper than thirst or need, It carries the seeds of lasting reform, When communities themselves take the lead. On this World Water Day, we recognize Water's power to transform and renew— Not just quenching thirst before our eyes, But nurturing systems, strong, just, and true. — Be a catalyst for change and join us as we continue to fight for safe water for ALL the beautiful people of Haiti. Water is life! #Haiti #HaitiOutreach #WorldWaterDay #NGO #NonProfit #SustainableDevelopment #CleanWaterForAll

Here is a quote from Dr. Chris McGahey. Haiti Outreach was fortunate enough to have Chris complete a study on our organization for IRC Wash! Informed by his work in the public health engineering field across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean, Chris brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, making his insights into our work all the more valuable. You can read his full report here: https://loom.ly/oYRdn5o Thank you Chris! #Haiti #NonProfit #Leadership #SustainableDevelopment #MakeAnImpact #WaterAndSanitation #SafeWater #CleanWaterAll

We believe that more people need to hear about the unique and powerful work we do, and we need your help to spread the word! If you know of a group—whether it’s a school, college class, church, Rotary, Lions Club, book club, or any other community gathering—where we could share our story, we’d love to connect. Additionally, if you’re aware of a podcast or news outlet that would benefit from having us as guests, please send it our way Your support in helping us reach new audiences is invaluable, and together, we can make an even greater impact! Email us at [email protected] to connect! #Haiti #HaitiOutreach #CommunityOutreach #GetInvolved #NonProfit #NGO #MakeADifference

March 8th is International Women’s Day! Today the world celebrates the history and accomplishments of women and commemorates the ongoing fight for gender equality worldwide. For international women’s day, we’d like to highlight Haitian women, and the unique experiences they have surrounding water insecurity. Globally, water insecurity tends to have greater effects on women and girls than it does men. In most water insecure areas, women and girls are usually responsible for water collection and transportation, which is especially true in Haiti. This task, though necessary, often leaves women vulnerable to multitude of dangers. Women without access to safe water are more likely to contract waterborne illnesses and disease. Many women in rural areas travel far distances to fetch water, which has its own set of dangers. These women are often exposed to unsafe environmental conditions as Haiti is prone to natural disasters. They are also more likely to experience some form of gender-based violence during their journeys. One of the main issues surrounding women and water insecurity is sanitation and hygiene. Though WASH services are necessary for all individuals, women and girls have specific hygiene needs, especially women who are menstruating. A lack of access to sanitary products and disposal facilities is a major obstacle for Haitian women. Young girls will often miss school when they are menstruating meaning many girls will spend around 25% of their time OUT of school. This leads to many Haitian girls dropping out entirely. At Haiti Outreach, we work to address gender inequality by ensuring that each committee we collaborate with is 50% women, giving them a voice in decision-making. We believe women are key to sustainable development, supporting girls' education, healthcare, and gender equity. Happy International Women's Day to all the women fighting for equality. #Haiti #HaitiOutreach #InternationalWomensDay #EmpowerWomen #EmpowerGirls #SustainableDevelopment #MakeAnImpact #WaterAndSanitation #SafeWater #CleanWaterForAll

The Power of Your Contribution. Every gift holds transformative potential, regardless of its size. What might seem like a modest donation becomes magnified when combined with others who share your vision. Your individual contribution—when joined with many—creates a powerful collective force. This is the mathematics of compassion: small actions multiplied create substantial change. Your gift is your voice in action. It's a tangible expression of your values and beliefs. Remember that giving extends beyond financial support—your time, advocacy, and resources are equally valuable contributions. Whether offered publicly or privately, your commitment makes a real difference. When you support Haiti Outreach, you're investing in Haitian agency and self-determination. You're helping provide essential resources that empower citizens to build their nation's future. Our approach is simple yet powerful: Effective Leadership + Access to Safe Water = A Transformed Haiti. Join us in creating lasting change. Together, we can build a better Haiti. #Haiti #Philanthropy #WaterAndSanitation #SustainableDevelopment #EffectiveLeadership #SafeWater

As spring quickly approaches, we wanted to remind you of our Twin Cities Spring Soirée on Wednesday, May 14th! This event will be held at ModernWell in Minneapolis at 6:30pm. Join us for an evening of connection and impact! This event is free. For more information and to RSVP, visit our website haitioutreach.org. We hope to see you there! #Haiti #HaitiOutreach #SustainableDevelopment #Soiree #TwinCitiesEvents #CharityEvent #MakeAnImpact

Last fall, we had the pleasure of working with Tanguy Lesegretain, a junior at Macalester College studying international studies and economics. As an intern, Tanguy supported us in the financial sector of the organization, assisting us with financial reporting, fundraising, and project management efforts. As a personal project, Tanguy examined the effectiveness of our programs from an economic perspective, analyzing our work in the community of Belle Meré. Here is part of his reflection! Read the full report on our blog. https://lnkd.in/ggYq9h-s After my first few weeks at Haiti Outreach, it became clear that the organization was unlike those I had studied in the classroom. Their strong emphasis on community-building set them apart from other organizations in a striking way. On one hand, HO’s “unit economics” were less efficient than those of larger NGOs, which could reach more people immediately. On the other, HO’s philosophy of neighborhood buy-in ensured the long-term viability of their interventions, both practically and socially. While HO’s mission was clear, I wanted to apply my economics background and examine one community in particular to see this philosophy in action. After looking into a community in La Belle Mère, I observed very distinct trends. First, Haiti Outreach’s pay-for-service model proved highly effective in the long run. #Haiti #HaitiOutreach #SustainableDevelopment #MeasurableImpact #SustainableImpact #GlobalDevelopment #NonProfit #NGO

Because everybody should have access to safe water, but they don’t. Roseline and Marie’s future is looking bright in Haiti because of our unique work! Haiti Outreach addresses immediate needs for safe water and long-term development and effective leadership to keep it sustainable. This is only possible because of generous donors like YOU! Before Haiti Outreach’s support, Roseline and Marie, faced immense challenges due to the lack of safe water. Every day, they walked long distances to fetch water from a contaminated spring, exposing them to the risk of harassment, illness, and missed days at school. Illnesses disproportionately impact young girls in Haiti, limiting their ability to thrive and contribute to their communities. Because of Haiti Outreach’s coaching program, Roseline and Marie now not only attend school regularly but have remained healthy. They have also seen women in their community have a voice in the process and seen true community-led development for the first time. Sustainable access to safe water is more than a necessity—it’s a pathway to dignity, health, and a brighter future. Together, we can ensure Haiti’s future women leaders are healthy, equipped, and thriving. You can be a part of the solution. Invest in girls future in Haiti with the gift of safe water today! Simply give online at haitioutreach.org one-time, become a monthly investor, donate stock, or mail a check. Thank you! #Haiti #HaitiOutreach #EmpowerWomen #EmpowerGirls #SustainableDevelopment #NonProfit #NGO #MakeAnImpact #WaterAndSanitation #SafeWater #CleanWaterForAll

Thursday marks the first day of the Carnival, or Karnaval in Haitian Creole, season in Haiti! Similar to the Carnaval Celebrations in Brazil or the Mardi Gras celebrations down in New Orleans, Carnival here is a weeklong celebration preceding the Lent period in the Catholic faith. While Lent is a period dedicated to demonstrating one’s restraint and self discipline, Carnival season is a period dedicated to freedom and renewal. For Haiti, the spirit of freedom intensified by its history of slavery. During the colonial period, slave owners prohibited slaves from taking part in Carnival celebrations. As a result, slaves staged their own smaller celebrations, using rags to create costumes and grease to mimic face paint, a testament of Haitian resilience. Haitian carnival has obviously exploded in the modern day, it is the most important cultural event in the country. Haitian Carnival has a unique flair that separates it from other Carnivals around the globe. It beautifully blends traditional practices from Africa, Europe, and most importantly, Haitian ancestors. Haitians celebrate Carnival with parades, parties, costumes, and performances. Music is one of the key elements of Carnival. Common genres you’ll hear throughout different celebrations include Zouk, Kreyòl Rap, and Konpa. One day, we dream of celebrating Carnival in a renewed nation. Yet, even now, we admire our people's remarkable ability to find joy amid adversity—a true reflection of the Haitian spirit. Artwork: "Carnival in Cape Haitian" by Rony Leonidas #Haiti #Carnival #Karnaval #HaitianCulture #HaitianHistory #HaitianPride #CelebrateHaiti

Though Black History month is a time to commemorate black historical figures from the United States, you may not know about the cross cultural connection between Haitians and African Americans and the influence it had on black history in America. Being the first free black republic and the first country to outlaw chattel slavery, many African Americans had a deep admiration for Haiti’s historical fight for liberation. During the Harlem Renaissance, an important time for cultural development in the African American community, such admiration increased as more people became more interested in connecting with other members of the African diaspora. Many black Americans hoped to travel to Africa to connect with their roots, but with the continent being thousands of miles from the United states, several black Americans chose to visit Haiti instead due to Haiti's closeness in location. Writer and popular figure of Harlem renaissance, Langston Hughes was one of these individuals. In April of 1931, Hughes traveled to Port-au-prince to learn more about Haiti’s working class. There he observed the huge wealth gap within haiti. A gap that unfortunately has only seemed to widen over the past century. Hughes compared the experience of the working class Haitians to the working class Black Americans. In Haiti, Hughes connected with Jacques Roumain, a Haitian writer and politician who advocated for the rights of working class Haitians. After meeting with Roumain, Hughes noticed that though the histories of the Haitian people and of Black Americans weren’t exactly the same, they did seem to rhyme. Hughes would go on to write about Haiti and its people in a novella titled Popo and Fifina: Children of Haiti, and a historical play about Haitian historical figure Jean-Jacques Dessalines, titled Drums of Haiti. Hughes trip to Haiti helped deepen the connection between Black Americans and Haitians. He helped expose the class struggle in Haiti to Black Americans and explain the similarities to the class struggle in the US. After Roumain was imprisoned for his political opinions, Hughes’ further writings helped garner support for Roumain and soon, many Black activists in the US helped advocate for his release. Though Haiti and the US now have a complicated relationship the connection between Black Americans and Haitians still remains. Despite the similarities in histories and struggle, one of the greatest things Haitians and Black Americans have in common is their resilience. #haiti #blackhistorymonth #haitianhistory #langstonhughes #jacquesroumain