Haiti is a Caribbean country on the island of Hispaniola. Still recovering from a 2010 earthquake, Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. 80 percent of residents live in poverty. 24.7 percent live in extreme poverty (living on less than $1.25 per day). Because of this, along with very limited access to nourishing foods, approximately 100,000 children under the age of five are considered malnourished. Additionally, about 50 percent of the population only has access to unsanitary water, which has been proven as a leading cause in about 80 percent of reported illnesses in developing countries (source: The Borgen Project).
In efforts to alleviate these poverty levels, Vapor Ministries has established two centers in Haiti. One is in the metropolis of Ouanaminthe and the other is in the small town of Dilaire, both of which are nestled close to the border of the Dominican Republic. Ouanaminthe is home to approximately 150,000 people and is one of four major land crossings into Haiti. Many vendors travel to and from the Dominican Republic through Ouanaminthe during the week to sell their goods. Dilaire, on the other hand, is a much smaller town, home to around 7,000 people. Dilaire has a large percentage of Voodoo followers and is in great need of poverty alleviation and spiritual truth. If you choose to go on a trip with Vapor, you will visit and participate in the ongoing ministry at both centers.
One of Vapor Ministries’ main focus is to educate the children who participate in the leagues on disease-prevention training, basic medical assistance and other forms of humanitarian aid. The poorest children at the centers receive their education and support through Hasmin’s Friends, Vapor Ministries' child sponsorship program. If you are a sponsor of a Hasmin's Friend in Haiti, you will have the opportunity to meet your sponsored child during your trip.
Information packets and applications for our upcoming trips to Haiti are available below.
