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A Haitian girl smiles while standing outside a makeshift home.
HAITI
Help the Church in Haiti Build Bright Futures
Poverty is a cruel trap in rural Haiti. Babies there are born to malnourished mothers in mud-and-stick shelters, grow up battling illnesses from dirty water, and — if they reach adulthood — are held back from opportunities due to lack of education and job skills. It’s a cycle that drains hope, but the Church has a bold solution rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Cross Catholic Outreach is partnering with Father Glenn Meaux and the Kobonal Haiti Mission to address the needs of poor children and families, including safe housing, clean water, Catholic education and more. The Mission is an oasis in a rugged and poverty-stricken area — but we need your help to reach more families in need.
The foundation for greatness is there. All that is needed now to achieve this incredible transformation is your support!
Imagine having to raise five growing boys in this unsafe wood and scrap metal dwelling. You can help the Church in Haiti relieve families from the strains of extreme poverty.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that God blesses each of us with different talents and graces — and that he intends for us to share these gifts with others. (CCC 1937) Right now, Kobonal’s families have a particular need for your compassion, generosity and faith.
Your support will help our brothers and sisters in Kobonal discover their greatness so they can break the cycle of poverty.
A gift of $12,200 builds a safe home for a family in need.
Poverty in Haiti Explained
Haiti’s poverty is rooted in its escape from French colonialism. In 1804, the Caribbean nation became the first country in the modern world led by former slaves. During its transition to independence, Haiti’s people agreed to pay an indemnity of 150 million francs — the modern equivalent of $21 billion — to repay slave owners who lost their “property.” Haiti was shunned by many countries during this critical period, leading to a cycle of debt, corruption and widespread poverty. Other factors contribute to Haiti’s poverty, including:
- Natural disasters. 96% of Haitians are vulnerable to hurricanes, earthquakes and floods. (Source: The World Bank)
- High illiteracy. Nearly 2 in 5 Haitian adults can’t read or write. (Source: CIA World Factbook)
- Malnutrition. More than 2 in 5 Haitians face acute food insecurity. (Source: The World Bank)
Meet Our Partner
Fr. Meaux and the Kobonal Haiti Mission
Cross Catholic Outreach’s relationship with the Kobonal Haiti Mission began in 2002 when our president, Jim Cavnar, began exchanging emails and phone calls with Fr. Meaux on the recommendation of Bishop Emeritus Sam Jacobs of Houma-Thibodaux, Louisiana. We issued our first grants to the Kobonal Haiti Mission in January 2003 to feed hungry families, and in 2005, we launched our housing project. Since then, we’ve built 885 homes for families in need.
Fr. Meaux believes it is important that Kobonal’s families are able to receive Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
Our Plan
The Blueprint for God’s Greatness in Kobonal
With your help, the Kobonal Haiti Mission can continue to extend Christ’s mercy in a profound and tangible way. This year’s effort is part of a long-term strategy in Kobonal to reduce housing needs, protect vulnerable populations from illness and malnutrition, and empower people of all ages to seize a bright future in Christ.
Housing
Build 28 homes and repair 50 existing homes for 78 families in need.
Water
Drill 3 wells and repair 5 existing wells, extending clean water to 2,086 people.
Education
Send 1,600 children to Catholic primary schools and provide 500 scholarships for secondary schools and universities.
Microenterprise
Extend 1,180 microloans of up to $500 to support small businesses.
Food
Fill stomachs with 272,160 protein-rich Vitafood meals and provide 250 families monthly food staples.
Agriculture
Empower parents to assist on six Mission farms to feed 1,600 schoolchildren.
Ylose Jerôme teaches pre-writing and oral communication to the youngest students at Kobonal School’s Mathebonite campus.
The Batner Family’s Plea for Safe Housing
Placide Batner has big dreams for his children. He envisions them earning college degrees, pursuing careers, and one day raising faith-filled families of their own. Sadly, those dreams are overshadowed by today’s challenge: dumping out the pools of rainwater inside their wood, mud and sheet metal house.
The dirt floor turns to mud on rainy days, and there is no way to stop vermin from entering the Batners’ makeshift house.
“The house has been like this for 10 years,” Placide shares with a sigh. “The fences have fallen down. The floor, the roof, everything is ruined.” As a humble farmer, Placide struggles to meet his family’s daily needs, so home repairs are continually being set aside.
With your help, the Batners and 27 other families can overcome the burden of unsafe housing.
Children attending the two Kobonal School campuses are preparing for a bright future in Christ.
Proceeds from this campaign will be used to cover any expenditures incurred through June 30, 2023, the close of our ministry’s fiscal year. In the event that more funds are raised than needed to fully fund the project, the excess funds, if any, will be used to meet the most urgent needs of the ministry.
What Is Your Legacy Mission?
When you include Cross Catholic Outreach as a beneficiary in your will, trust, retirement account or life insurance policy, you will make a difference for poor communities by meeting both material and spiritual needs for generations to come. Create Your Legacy!