When Food For The Poor met Chantaline this year, she shared her tragic tale …

“Sometimes I regret I was ever born. Sometimes I wish I would just die…I feel so desperate being in this situation, I think I could go even further downwards than where I’m at… I am 27 and no one is helping me. The only way out is to go down, down, down.”

Chantaline and her family became homeless last year after a series of hurricanes ravished their home and belongings. Now with nowhere to live, no source of income/ welfare, or food, Chantaline relies on the support of friends and relief organizations such as FFP for mere survival. Daily, she roams the streets of the coastal town of Petit-Goâve, Haiti, in search of whatever food she can find. When things became too difficult she sent her older children to live with friends, yet she still cares for her smallest child who is severely malnourished.

Unfortunately Chantaline’s story is not estranged from millions living in Haiti. With rising costs of living the Haitian food crisis has risen to epic proportions. Haiti is described as being one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere. Just an half hour flight from the US, yet Haiti suffers from 80% unemployment and poverty, immense deforestation, and constant threat of natural disasters such as hurricanes, flooding and mud slides. In fact 1 in 8 Haitian children die before reaching the age of 5.

Recently FFP, working with the Hope for Haitians Committee held their eight annual fundraising event which was a success. According to Tom Lordan, FFP Event Co-Chairman, “With this year’s event proceeds we will start building more homes and a second village for the people of Prolongé, in Madeleine, Haiti…For the past two years, our combined efforts helped pull desperate families out of the contaminated swamps of Prolongé, Haiti and into sturdy new FFP homes.”

You too have the opportunity to get involved and make a difference in the lives of people like Chantaline. FFP has already updated their gift catalogue for Christmas, with an assortment of affordable solutions. By donating as little as $12 USD per month you can feed an entire family, $36 USD can feed a malnourished child for an entire year or even $150 USD can purchase a gift Donkey. If you would like more information about FFP simply visit www.foodforthepoor.org. To make a donation simply click the secure link below.