Haiti's despair: bestselling author fights for hope amidst gang violence
In the chaotic heart of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where gang rule reigns and violence is commonplace, bestselling author Mitch Albom has established an unlikely sanctuary: Have Faith Haiti, an orphanage offering refuge to the country's most vulnerable children.
A haven amidst havoc
The facility, resembling a fortress with its imposing walls and security measures, stands in stark contrast to the desperation just beyond its gates. Inside, 56 children find safety alongside over 50 staff members, a beacon of stability in a nation grappling with political collapse and gang control.
Albom, known for his literary success, and his wife Janine have dedicated themselves to caring for abandoned infants, children with disabilities, and those living on the streets. The stark reality is palpable: children without clothes, suffering from malnutrition, a consequence of widespread poverty and instability. "There are a lot of children right on the other side of that gate who are not wearing shirts or pants right now, and their bellies are swollen and they're not eating. And that's not fair," Albom stated.
His journey to Haiti began in 2010, following the devastating earthquake that claimed 200,000 lives and left over a million homeless. A Jewish author, Albom found himself compelled to help, initially assisting in the repair of a Christian orphanage run by an elderly pastor. "The pastor basically said, 'I don't have any money to run this place and I'm 84 years old.' And I kind of blurted out, 'Well, I could probably run it. How hard could it be?'" he recalled.
Today, Have Faith Haiti is largely self-funded by Albom and his wife. The orphanage provides a childhood stolen by violence and hardship; a childhood filled with education in French and English, and a surprising lack of modern distractions. The absence of cellphones, televisions, and personal computers allows children to develop exceptional attention spans. Sixteen students have graduated high school in the past eight years and secured scholarships to American colleges – all committed to returning to Haiti to contribute.
Security is a constant concern. Due to the dangerous conditions, Albom travels to Cap-Haïtien and then relies on a helicopter operated by a private security firm to reach Port-au-Prince. Once on the ground, heavily armed guards escort him to the orphanage in a convoy of bulletproof vehicles. The collapse of the Haitian government in 2021, following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, has left much of the country under the control of gangs. The United Nations has authorized a 5,500-strong international force to assist Haitian police, but only a fraction has been deployed. The US has also significantly reduced its financial aid.
Yonel, the Haitian director of Have Faith Haiti, vividly remembers the feeling of abandonment. He was left at the old orphanage at age five, and now ensures the children at Have Faith Haiti feel a sense of connection. "They need that connection, you know, So I put myself there for them," he explains. The daily routine includes focused academic lessons, emergency drills, and a strong emphasis on faith.
The future for the older students remains uncertain. While six are set to graduate this spring and hope to study in the U.S., visa approvals are far from guaranteed. Their intention, however, is not to seek opportunities abroad, but to return and rebuild their country. "Education is one of the things I would really want to take back, and I will take back in Haiti because you need a better education to lead the government and to get a good job," says Bianka, a student planning to enter politics despite the country's instability.
Despite the immense challenges, Albom remains resolute. He sees the potential in each child, a spark of hope that persists even in the darkest circumstances. It's a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the unwavering belief in a brighter future.
The children of Have Faith Haiti aren't just surviving; they're preparing to lead – a stark reminder of the resilience that can blossom even in the face of profound adversity.