For some time now, Haiti has faced immense challenges, with political unrest and gang-related violence creating an incredibly difficult environment for its people. While much of this has unfolded away from the public eye, we at Many Hands have been actively responding to the urgent needs arising from this chaos. We are ready to share stories of the incredible resilience of the Haitian people and the immediate response we’ve been taking, thanks to the commitment to being love in action from our staff on the ground.

Despite the immense challenges and ongoing crisis in Haiti, it’s crucial to highlight that Many Hands’ established programs have continued to operate seamlessly, providing vital support to those in need. These foundational initiatives are the backbone of our work, and we are proud to share a few examples of their uninterrupted impact:

• First 1,000 Days Program: We are intensely focused on critical early development for mothers and their new babies, establishing a foundation that profoundly impacts a child’s life from its very beginning.
• Goat Program: Our innovative goat program continues to empower families by providing them with a pregnant goat. This initiative creates vital opportunities for both financial stability and improved nutrition, fostering self-sufficiency within the community.
• Quality Education: While many other schools in the region have faltered or shut down, Many Hands’ educational programs—including both summer school and regular classes—stand as a beacon of stability and quality. Our dedicated educators are committed to providing every child in the classroom with an exceptional learning experience.

However, a new and pressing need has emerged, requiring an immediate and compassionate response. On March 31, 2025, the town of Mirebalais, a community of 200,000 people in Central Haiti, was overrun by the Viv Ansanm gang. The attack was brutal, with gunfire; burning homes, businesses, and vehicles; and widespread looting. Their local police station was overwhelmed and set ablaze, and the prison stormed, releasing around 500 inmates. This horrific event led to thousands of deaths and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes, seeking refuge in neighboring communities, including Pignon, where Many Hands is actively present. It’s estimated that this attack alone displaced 65,000 people, a number comparable to the entire population of Ankeny, Iowa. Imagine an entire community like that being uprooted, with everyone left with literally nothing and forced to start over.

In the face of such profound tragedy, the spirit of ‘love in action’ has shone brightly. Our staff and community members in Pignon immediately began taking in displaced families, offering food, shelter, and whatever aid they could. Some Many Hands leaders have opened their homes in the area to as many as 50 people, others 30, and some 10. These are often modest homes, perhaps one or two rooms, with half-built roofs and dirt floors, certainly not designed for such numbers. Yet, the warmth and openness offered by many in the community has been overwhelming. As one refugee shared, 

Another stated,

This incredible generosity, even when hosts themselves may have little, truly embodies the Haitian spirit and the building blocks of Many Hands.

Since late April, in partnership with Convoy of Hope (who donated a container of food) and the Lutheran Church of Hope (who provided funds for shipping), Many Hands has been providing crucial refugee relief. To date, we have assessed and helped 1,156 people, distributing 728 boxes of food (providing 157,248 meals), 357 sanitation kits, and 264 half-gallon bottles of cooking oil. This vital assistance has been delivered within our existing 5K map in the zone where we are active, focusing our efforts where we have established presence and relationships.

Many have lost everything – their homes, clothing, food, their sense of community, and their livelihoods. One individual shared,

Another recounted,

They left with only what they were wearing, without even a toothbrush or cooking supplies. The uncertainty is palpable; while they are together, they’ve lost everything they had. When asked if they would return to Mirebalais, almost all responded, “Not today,” with about half expressing a desire to return eventually. However, 75% fear they would lose their lives if they went back. Many don’t even know if they have a home to return to, with some knowing their houses were burned, looted, or are now occupied by gangs.

Despite these immense hardships, there’s a powerful sense of resilience. When asked if they feel anxious, one response was a resounding “NO they are not anxious”. They pray for God to intervene and alleviate the difficult situation their country faces. While stress is present, they refuse to let it dominate them.

This immediate crisis, while a slight detour from our typical programs, aligns perfectly with our mission to be “Love in Action.” As school is out for the summer, this is a critical time to send food directly to these vulnerable refugees in the communities we serve. We believe that when evil overwhelms, love demands more from us, and generosity flows from a place of empathy.

How You Can Help

The greatest immediate need cited by nearly all those we’ve assessed is FOOD. Many also mentioned water, clothes, and hygiene items, with several lacking beds or sheets. Some even expressed a desire to find work to earn enough to send their children to school.

Many Hands is committed to continuing to provide aid to these displaced families who are now within the communities we serve. Your support is crucial to help us send more food and essential supplies to those who have lost everything. We are being love in action, living out our mission, and we invite you to join us in this vital work.

Many Hands’ Response to the Crisis: At a Glance

• A Crisis Unfolds: The brutal attack on Mirebalais by the Viv Ansanm gang on March 31, 2025, led to widespread destruction, deaths, and the displacement of an estimated 65,000 people, leaving them with nothing.
• Immediate Shelter and Aid: Our staff and community members in Pignon swiftly opened their homes to tens of thousands of displaced individuals, offering food and shelter.
• Partnerships for Relief: In collaboration with Convoy of Hope and the Lutheran Church of Hope, we’ve secured and shipped crucial supplies to Haiti.
• Comprehensive Assistance: To date, we have assessed 1,156 people and distributed over 157,000 meals, along with hundreds of sanitation kits and cooking oil, directly to those most in need within our active zones.
• Focus on Basic Needs: Our assessments confirm that food, water, and hygiene items are the most pressing needs for these families who have lost everything.

We may not know what the overall future holds, but we know what love looks like, and that is how we move forward. Please consider making a donation today. Your generosity will bring tangible relief and renewed hope to our neighbors who cannot support themselves right now.

About Many Hands:

Many Hands is an Iowa-based nonprofit dedicated to transforming together, to be in action, in a broken world. We desire to walk alongside the community and empower individuals and families by focusing on education, agriculture, leadership, safe structures, youth programs, and early childhood development. Together, we can rebuild lives and restore hope, one person, one family, one community, at a time.