ROCKFORD—On Aug. 27, Rockford-based Hope for Haitians held its 21st annual “An Evening in the Tropics” to support the construction of its 18th village in Acul-Samedi, located near Fort-Liberté, Haiti.

 

Working with Food for the Poor, the life-changing effort aims to provide safe, secure homes with proper sanitation for 75 families. Each household will receive a solar kit to supply nighttime lighting, energy, and security.

 

The community will receive two water wells, two water treatment systems, 15 solar-powered streetlights and a much-needed community center. 

 

The community’s residents are mostly farmers who grow manioc (cassava or yuca) and peanuts as their main crops. During droughts, they are forced to cut down trees to make charcoal for a living. A large percentage of residents eat rice or corn for one meal per day.

 

This year’s featured guest and speaker was Dr. Cleantus Jean Jr., a native of Haiti who is dedicated to creating opportunities for the most vulnerable in his home country. He is a key partner and the in-country team lead for Hope for Haitians in North and Northeast Haiti.

 

Last year, Hope for Haitians built homes for 50 families, replaced livestock lost to flooding for nearly 100 families, and supported the education of 160 children and 50 adults.