howFar Haiti Micro Loan Program

The unemployment rate in Haiti is around 80%.  Due to problems with corruption, lack of adequate infrastructure and civil unrest, most companies are reluctant to invest in Haiti.  Most of the people in Haiti are hard working and want to be self-sufficient.  Unemployment creates many problems for families.  The most glaring problem is that families are torn apart and children are often sent to orphanages due to the lack of income to feed and educate them.

“Every one of the women expressed that they were happy to participate and that they thank God for this opportunity.   Many who did not attend church before, or only did so occasionally, have a renewed faith that God cares for them and loves them!  Most of them attend church now and have a stronger faith because of this program!" Diane Moffi / Director howFar Haiti 

Because of these issues, howFar Foundation recognized that providing jobs for families would help keep families together and provide stability and basic necessities through a micro loan program.  In July 2017, howFar invested $1000.00 US in a micro loan program with Pastor Astrel Vincent in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.  Pastor Vincent runs a church and several schools in a slum area called Cite Soleil.    

Participants are required to:

·      file an application containing information on what their intended business is

·      complete a series of classes that will assist them in running their businesses successfully

·      make enough money to support their families while paying back the loan

As participants repay their loans, that money is used to begin the process for the next family on the waiting list.  A committee of people from Pastor Vincent’s church manages the program with ample accountability built into the process.  During the first year of operation, we provided loans to 22 families, some of them returning to increase their businesses!  Due to the success of the first year, howFar invested another $1000.00 US in June 2018.

In December, our team met with 8 women currently participating in the program.  Each of the ladies shared their stories of how the program has improved their lives and how long they have been part of the program.  All of these women were thankful for the opportunity to provide for their families and were pleased with the program and the way it is administered.

 howFar Haiti Micro Loan participants (From left to right: Madam Erline; Madam Simone; Madam Venelus; Madam Yolen; Madam Mirose; Diane Moffi (back); Madam Widline; Madam Rose Marie; and Madam Dominique.)

Madam Mirose was the first one to share her story with us.  She has 2 children, one of whom is in school.  Her business is selling used clothing downtown and near her home.  She said that the program has allowed her to maintain a home for her family, provided food on a regular basis and is sending her younger child to school.  Additionally, Mdm Mirose is blind!  In Haiti people with disabilities are discriminated against and treated unfairly in society. The fact that she is succeeding in the program is amazing!  She has been participating in the program for almost one year and says that it has “changed her life”!

Madam Mirose

As of the time of our meeting in December 2018, the micro loan program has provided jobs to over 40 families.  There are currently 18 participants (actively repaying loans) and 5 applications in queue (waiting for the next round of funds and classes).  There is a 100% payback rate!  The businesses started include: selling food (rice, beans, oil, etc.), sheets and tablecloths, used clothing and women’s items:  shoes, perfume, bags, etc.  

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