They say a picture is worth a thousand words. This one is for sure. This picture here shows exactly why we do what we do. This is why we fundraise. This is why we lay in bed until late hours of the night working. This is why we live in Haiti. This is why we started New Roots. For moments like these. For changes like this. For empowerment of families.
One of our goals with New Roots is to help create a thriving economy in Chiron. We hope there will be a trickle down effect that will better the lives of all families here. That not only our employees will benefit but that everyone will rise up together.
It’s only been six months since we started New Roots. We didn’t really expect to see this type of change for a few years yet. But by the Grace of God we are seeing it already. There are over a thousand people who call Chiron home. Of all the homes here, only 1 or 2 are made of blocks, the rest are made out of mud and sticks. Some made of palm branches weaved together. When it rains, people get wet. Their homes aren’t safe and they cant keep their children healthy.
However, three people who have directly benefited financially from New Roots, (two as employees, one who sold us land) are now in the process of building homes. Six months ago these three people could not have predicted that they would begin this process at any point in the near future. Yet here they are, building homes for their families.
Pictured above is Izarak, his wife, and two sons, as well as a few other neighbors who happened to be standing there when I took the photo. You should have seen how proud Izarak was as we toured his house last night. Or the smile that was on his youngest sons face when I asked him which room was for him. For the first time in his life Izarak and his family will have a home of their own. They will no longer have to sleep in an over crowded house with extended family. This place will be theirs.
Nick and I could have chosen a different mission. With the amount we have fundraised so far, we could have come in to Chiron and built 30 or more homes. Or we could have sent over 400 children to school for a year. Those things would have helped with todays needs. With the now. But they wouldn’t have helped tomorrow. Had we have come in and built Izarak a home, he wouldn’t have felt the pride that goes along with being able to provide for his family on his own. He may have ended the day with a home, but he wouldn’t be on the pathway out of poverty like he is now. AndIzarak has been empowered to care for the needs of his family on his own and he’s doing a great job at it.
We believe in the mission of New Roots with every fiber of our being. We believe our efforts will bring about sustainable changes that will better the lives of so many in our community. After a mere 6 months we are already seeing this. When we say we have spent $12,000 in payroll so far, this is where its going. And whats better than seeing Izarak build his house? Seeing Izarak employing 5 members of the community to build it for him. Izarak is now investing in the local economy himself. He’s helping others provide for the needs of their families. This is Haitians Helping Haitians. This is the way to bring about real change here.
Thank you to everyone who has allowed us to make this possible. Without you this would not have happened. We continued to be humbled by your generous support!