FAQ's
1. You say you can assure people that everything donated will be accounted for. How does that happen? What records are kept? The pastors we work with in Haiti are in charge of keeping records of all money spent on projects and documenting the use/distribution of all donations. Our Haitian Coordinator will also keep records of money spent. Our treasurer is responsible for all stateside donations- keeping an accurate accounting of all money donated and all expenses for the organization, donations made to Haiti, etc... Doccumentation may be done through photographs (which will be posted on the site), obtaining receipts, maintaining bookkeeping records, etc.... Any individual is certainly within his/her rights to ask for doccumentation to prove the responsible use of donations they make to the project and we will willingly supply this information to anyone requesting it.
2. I am traveling to Haiti and would like to visit your projects and see for myself the work being done there. Can this be arranged? Of course! This would be welcomed and appreciated. The more people who have seen/visited the sites where we minister, the more the word about the projects will spread and (hopefully) support/awareness will be increased. Because many of our sites in the countryside are such remote areas and the mountain roads are dangerous at night, it is best to plan your trip over at least two days. It would also be nice if you were to have a vehicle to travel in. Otherwise, transportation can be difficult to arrange. Plan to possibly hike into the location and "rough it" once there. Contact us to arrange a visit- our Haitian Coordinator will be happy to work with you on this.
3. I am traveling to Haiti and would be willing to "mule" supplies/donations. How do I arrange this? Just let us know your travel dates and how much room you will have in your luggage, etc... We will contact you and figure out a way to get the items to you and we will notify our ministry partners so they can help us determine the best way for you to connect with them once in Haiti to give them the items. Thank you for doing this! Shipping goods to Haiti is expensive, so if someone is willing to help us, it is a real blessing to this ministry!
4. How safe is it? What about getting shots/taking malaria medicine? Crime against foreigners in Haiti is not very common, however things happen that are out of our control. We can assure you that we will keep all participants out of areas known to be unsafe (the market, some areas of the city, etc..) and we will do everything possible to maintain our personal safety. Our translators are instructed to alert us if they feel at any time that an area or situation has become unsafe for us. At that time we will alert the group and leave the area immediately- this is not the time for questions/explanations. We trust the men God has given us to guide and direct our groups. As for shots/medicine we strongly suggest you check with your local travel center or doctor for advice.