The difficulties of operating a 600-child orphanage that supports a Haitian staff of nearly 200 and also involves itself in far flung educational and housing projects, as well as some infrastructural and sustainable projects, cannot be underestimated. Pwoje Espwa operates on a yearly budget of about one million dollars (US) and certainly still has the infrastructure, capacity and need to spend a whole lot more. Operating funds contribute to everything from mattresses for the kids, animal feed, salaries, gasoline for vehicles, the occasional medical expense incurred from injury and disease, (600 kids in a tropical climate...), and so much more. Despite the farm, the project is unable to support itself (not even nearly). It relies heavily on charity and some key, larger NGO support.
Last week, I heard from the founder and director, Fr. Marc Boisvert. In response to my request for updates, he informed me that they are so desperately in need of help. They always need help but for him to mention it specifically... that really means it's dire.
At some point I had fantasized about helping create a more substantial or sustainable source of funds for Espwa. Though that project is always at the back of my mind, at this point it seems more realistic to just spread the word that help is needed. Miraculously, before I even had the chance to voice the plea, a friend contacted me and wanted to know where to send his money - out of the blue, just like that. If there are others of you out there who want to help out, go to the online donation site. You can also read about more specific projects at Free the Kids.
Thank you for all those who have helped, will help and who simply pray for and support this orphanage. Good things happen there.
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