Updated

We are moved by the outpouring of support and encouragement from so many of you during the past couple of weeks. Your immediate concern and extraordinary generosity is a tremendous reassurance to Na Rive. Thanks to you, they can access the resources to face this crisis, and equally important, they know they are not alone.

Together, we have raised over $50,000 to support Haitian earthquake victims. These funds have begun working in Haiti, going directly towards the purchase of food, water, transportation, medical treatment and supplies.

Na Rive set up a temporary station near the epicenter in Les Cayes, and has formed a team to distribute supplies to remote rural communities nearby: Camp- Perrin, Maniche and Cavaillon. Many of these rural communities continue to lack consistent access to basic services and aid and because the roads have been impassable, the needs continue to be much higher than the resources available to meet them. For the next three months, the team will provide thousands of meals to children and families as they recover from the physical and emotional trauma of this catastrophe. Small mobile clinics will travel several times a week to homes and tent communities, providing healthcare services to those in need. 

Beyond the immediate emergency relief, we’re working with Na Rive to consider how we can support those impacted by this disaster in the longer term. As the weeks pass, the spotlight will fade on Haiti’s state of crisis, but the need for food, clean water, and shelter will remain critical.

“Haiti is not a country where credit, insurance or bank loans are easy to come by. Most people work their hardest to barely make it here. As we’ve been delivering food, water and medicine to the families most affected by this disaster, I keep thinking how are they going to cope next, once the emergency aid ends. There has to be a way to support them so they can start rebuilding their future.”

– Lavarice Gaudin

During their initial trip to Southern Haiti, Na Rive worked with the local communities to identify the key areas of need at this stage. Na Rive is hoping to be able to provide up to 3000 meals per day, assist 900 people a week with mobile clinics, equip at least 1000 students with supplies so they can continue their education, and grant direct financial assistance to the families who have lost everything. With your support, we hope to raise an additional $50,000 to help Na Rive cover these expenses for a period of 3 months, while further assistance and reconstruction efforts take place.

As we’ve witnessed after the 2010 earthquake and after Hurricane Matthew, neighbors and grassroots organizations like Na Rive are crucial in delivering immediate assistance. And because Na Rive has a long history of collaboration with local communities across the country, they are well positioned to provide relief immediately, efficiently and while supporting the local economy. As Lavarice shared with me, they are always ready to stand hand in hand with their Haitian brothers and sisters, come what may.

We strongly believe sustainable change must be Haitian-led and done in collaboration with local communities to be effective. But it’s going to take everyone: businesses, government, the international community, non-profit organizations big and small, and you. Together, we can support Haiti as they rebuild a path forward.

Despite all the hardship faced by Haitians, hope for a brighter future and a stronger Haiti remain in all our hearts.  Thank you for being a part of that hope and strength.  Piti piti na rive. Little by little we will arrive.

With gratitude and hope,

Keeley Forrestel
Executive Director
What If Foundation

As the earthquake rescue efforts in Haiti continue, reports of a rising number of deaths and injuries are adding to the insurmountable damages to structures in many areas of the country. Over 1,400 lives have been lost, about 7,000 people have been injured, and more than 84,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed. UNICEF reported that approximately 1.2 million people have been affected, including 540,000 children. Aftershocks continue to rattle the country, leaving people stricken with fear and unable to seek shelter indoors. Sleeping outside in the rain, many Haitians are facing the next challenge: tropical storm Grace.

Na Rive is currently working with community leaders in Southern Haiti to assess critical needs and determine next steps to support the relief efforts. Meanwhile, they’re already coordinating an initial response to provide food, water, and medical support to the most affected areas, which has become even more challenging given the roads to the South are severely damaged. But if anyone can get through, it’ll be local organizations like Na Rive: nimble, knowledgeable, and powered by the support of generous donors like you.

“The situation on the ground is shocking and so very complicated. Water, food, medical aid — it’s all needed desperately. We are going to do whatever we can to provide relief to our brothers and sisters in the South. And we wouldn’t be able to do that without the support of the What If Foundation and our donors. All of you are like the oil that keeps our engine running. In desperate times like these, I have the strength to get up each morning, ready to take on the challenges ahead, because I know I am not alone. We thank you and send our love.” 

– Lavarice Gaudin

As we speak, Lavarice is reaching out to partner organizations, working to acquire medication and supplies from the neighboring Dominican Republic, and preparing for travel to the most damaged areas including Les Cayes and Jeremie. By Wednesday, Na Rive will be setting up food pantries and activating mobile clinics to provide relief to those in most dire need. Plans for long-term assistance are also in the works.

Since its inception, the What If Foundation has stood in solidarity with the Haitian people through every major challenge they’ve faced: political turmoil, economic crises, droughts, a cholera epidemic, and natural disasters. Join me as we stand with them today, tomorrow and every day.

With gratitude and hope,

Keeley Forrestel
Executive Director
What If Foundation

At 8:30 this morning a 7.2 magnitude earthquake shook Haiti. The epicenter was about 80 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince, severely affecting cities like Les Cayes and Jeremie which are reporting significant damage — comparable to the one caused by the devastating 2010 earthquake. The death toll is expected to be high. So far, reports indicate that Port-au-Prince has not suffered significant damage. We remain hopeful this is true. We also remain aware that the mounting emotional toll of one traumatic experience after another has long lasting effects that will be felt for years to come.

I was able to reach Lavarice Gaudin, Na Rive’s Program Director, this morning and he told me that he and all the members of Na Rive that he’d spoken to so far are safe.  He also expressed a deep sense of sadness and mourning for the country as well as personally.  Like so many in Haiti and abroad, some of his close friends and family have been tragically killed this morning. And he knows no one in the Ti Plas Kazo community and the country will get through this tragedy unaffected.

“We are in shock that another tragedy has struck Haiti so soon. People are devastated, afraid, overwhelmed, and exhausted. Many of us are reliving the tragic moments after the 2010 earthquake and its aftermath, and many of us are mourning more of our loved ones too. It is also in times like these that we are thankful for our partnership with the What If Foundation because we know we are not alone and we have a way to respond and help ease the suffering. Na Rive stands ready to provide emergency assistance to those most in need, as we did after the 2010 earthquake and other natural disasters.” 

– Lavarice Gaudin

Given Na Rive’s prior experience with emergency relief in the south, Lavarice has already received dozens of calls from community members in the affected areas seeking support. In the days to come, they will be assessing the needs and will let us know how to best direct our resources and support. 

I know you are with us as we send our love to all Haitians, at home and abroad, as they anxiously wait to hear from friends and family members. We will keep you abreast of new developments and will stand ready to support Na Rive and the people of Haiti in these dire times.

With gratitude and hope,

Keeley Forrestel
Executive Director
What If Foundation

It is my pleasure to share with you that Keeley Forrestel has joined the What If Foundation as our new Executive Director. Keeley is a seasoned nonprofit executive with a wealth of experience in fundraising, community outreach, and program management, and a deep understanding of working with community organizations.

In her last role, Keeley addressed food insecurity and youth development as the Executive Director of the East End United Community Center in Southwestern Pennsylvania. During her tenure, she grew individual contributions sixfold and increased operational revenue by 30%. Keeley’s interest in Haiti and social justice also runs deep. She studied Cultural Anthropology at the University of Florida, concentrating on Haitian Studies, and an MA in Social Justice and Human Rights from Arizona State University.

“When I visited Haiti in 2009, I was awed by the richness and beauty of Haitian culture — one built on resistance, creativity, and the fight for justice. I was then inspired by the amazing work of people like Margaret Trost and Dr. Paul Farmer who understood that improving individual lives lifts entire communities.”

It’s an honor and privilege to join the What If Foundation and work in solidarity with our Haitian partners to make a difference in the Ti Plas Kazo community of Port-au-Prince. I know that every life we touch through our programming has the potential to create the positive change that Haitians are working towards. I look forward to getting to know our donors and supporters and to leading this wonderful organization in this new chapter.”

I am sure Keeley will be an excellent Executive Director and will confidently lead the foundation in these unprecedented times. I will be working closely with her and our team over the next few weeks to ensure a smooth transition. I will remain as Chair of the Board of Directors and I look forward to staying connected with you in that capacity.  

Thank you for being part of the What If Foundation family and for keeping the children of Haiti in your heart in these challenging times.

With gratitude and appreciation,

Catherine Lelong
Board Chair
What If Foundation

The political crisis in Haiti continues to deepen. Last week, the country laid its former President, Jovenel Moïse, to rest and an interim unity government led by Ariel Henry, the prime minister President Moïse had designated shortly before his assassination, was appointed with backing by foreign powers. Yet everyday life is still far from stable. During the funeral service last Friday, violent protests erupted bringing further unrest to a situation already mired with extraordinary hardship. In my latest conversations with Lavarice Gaudin, Na Rive Program Director, he shared: 

“The streets have become so dangerous now, people are afraid to leave their homes. We are grateful to be able to keep providing food for the community and to support our students through these dark times. But everyone feels a deep uncertainty. It pains me that all Haitians are suffering from the despicable acts of a few, and that political forces out of our control continuously upend life as we know it. But this moment only reinforces our mission. Our nation needs a new kind of leader, and it is up to us to foster them.”

We stand in solidarity with Na Rive and Haiti in these challenging times. As a sovereign nation, Haiti should have the right to rebuild their country without undue influence, as they fought for 230 years ago when they became the first free black republic in the western hemisphere and a symbol of hope and freedom around the world. We believe Haitians know what is best for them and their country and bear witness to this year after year in our partnership with Na Rive. We also know that, while sustainable change is achieved from the ground up, with local organizations in local communities, it must be supported on the national and international level, too.

What If Foundation’s Board Member and Haitian photojournalist Wadner Pierre agrees:

“The current socio-economic and political situation in Haiti is alarming. Nonetheless, Haitian people can and will have to address the root causes of the country’s problems and implement appropriate solutions. They will certainly work with their international partners and other stakeholders to ensure it is an inclusive process. However, they must be the ones dictating the process. It cannot be the other way around. The one-size-fits-all foreign intervention model has not been working for the past 200 years, and we cannot expect it will work this time. The What If Foundation’s community-based approach is a template that should be used at the national and international level to support short and long-term development goals in Haiti.”

In the meantime, Na Rive carries on with their work, as they always have. And we carry on standing with them, as we always have. Piti piti na rive. One meal, one student, one future leader at a time.

With gratitude and hope,

Catherine Lelong
Board Chair
What If Foundation

Our hearts remain with our friends in Ti Plas Kazo in the wake of the shocking assasination of President Jovenel Moïse last week. I’ve been in close contact with Na Rive’s Program Director, Lavarice Gaudin and he shared that the situation remains highly unstable.

“We are living minute to minute. No one ever thought something like this could happen in the way that it did, and it’s affecting every aspect of our lives. The gangs continue to gain power, completely unchecked. Three weeks ago they robbed one of Port-au-Prince’s biggest warehouses, causing food shortages and tripling the price of food. The streets are not safe and people are afraid for their lives and the future of the country. But we also know that we have been through dark times before and that we must carry on with hope. It is in moments like these that we need each other most.”

Words cannot express the courage and heroism of the Na Rive team. Despite the dangers, they continue to brave the streets every day to be there for the children and families in Ti Plas Kazo. In the midst of a countrywide state of emergency, the food program managed to reopen after only one day. And the Father Jeri School is welcoming 9th and 12th grade students from multiple schools this week so they can take their government exams, ensuring the opportunity to further their education. Today, Lavarice shared his concern for the mental wellbeing of the children, given the current situation, and has been trying to comfort and encourage them so they perform as best they can during their exams. It is especially in times like these that Na Rive’s programs become so fundamental for the community. They know that offering a path to education is critical to create positive change and nurture the leaders of tomorrow. No matter what obstacle they face, Na Rive carries on with vision, hope and determination in their hearts.

Our longtime supporters know that this is neither the first nor will it be the last time Haiti faces serious hardship. But with your compassion and generosity and with Na Rive’s leadership, we will keep moving forward one step at a time, as we’ve always done. Thank you for your solidarity and support for the Haitian people and for keeping them in your hearts as they persevere through this incredibly challenging time.

With gratitude,

Catherine Lelong
Board Chair
What If Foundation