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Food For The Poor

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    • Coconut Creek nonprofit stepping up to send aid to Haiti-nbcmiami.com

      Coconut Creek nonprofit stepping up to send aid to Haiti-nbcmiami.com

      MIAMI, FLA. (Mar. 13, 2024) “In response to the escalating violence in Haiti, organizations in South Florida are working to provide aid to families in need. Food for the Poor in Coconut Creek has everything from food and water to medical equipment, ready to go the politically unstable country, but organizers say they are running […]

    • South Florida mobilizes aid amidst escalating violence in Haiti- caribbeannationalweekly.com

      South Florida mobilizes aid amidst escalating violence in Haiti- caribbeannationalweekly.com

      DAVIE, FLA. (Mar. 14, 2024) “As violence continues to grip Haiti, organizations based in South Florida are mobilizing efforts to provide much-needed assistance to affected families. Among them, Coconut Creek’s Food for the Poor stands ready with essential supplies ranging from food and water to medical equipment.” To read the full article, click here.

    • OA raises $1,500 for Honduras Project-news.yahoo.com

      OA raises $1,500 for Honduras Project-news.yahoo.com

      GREENSBURG, IND. (Feb. 19, 2024) “Oldenburg Academy has announced the success of its recent fundraising efforts during Catholic Schools Week. The OA community collected funds to contribute to the construction of 52 single-dwelling homes in the village of Cucuyagua, Honduras… “It is always delightful to witness the spirit of giving within our OA community as we endeavor […]

    • Starr Computers partners with NGOs to enhance education in Berbice-guyanachronicle.com

      Starr Computers partners with NGOs to enhance education in Berbice-guyanachronicle.com

      GUYANA (Feb. 19, 2024) “IN a bid to fortify educational resources in the Berbice community, Starr Computers has made a significant stride by donating Smart Labs to two pivotal institutions:- the Guyana Police Force Academy Berbice Campus and the New Amsterdam Technical Institute. This philanthropic endeavour, in collaboration with Food for the Poor Guyana Inc. […]

    • Food For The Poor, Starr Computers and St Francis Collaborate to Donate IT Labs to Region Six-stabroeknews.com

      Food For The Poor, Starr Computers and St Francis Collaborate to Donate IT Labs to Region Six-stabroeknews.com

      GUYANA (Feb. 19, 2024) “Food For The Poor (Guyana) Inc (FFTP) in partnership with Starr Computers and St Francis Community Developers donated two new upgraded Information Technology Labs to Region Six. According to a press release, the labs, located at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute and the Guyana Police Force Training Academy, represent a significant […]

    • Obituary: Father Gary Norman-dcourier.com

      Obituary: Father Gary Norman-dcourier.com

      PRESCOTT, AZ (Feb. 7, 2024) “Father Gary Norman, a senior priest of the Diocese of Yakima, who was being treated at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center following an auto accident and subsequent stroke Jan. 22, died on Jan. 31, 2024, at the medical center. …Father Norman was 79 and had been living in Prescott, […]

    • An agreement signed between Taiwan and Food For the Poor Haiti for the donation of 8240 tons of rice-tripfoumi.com

      An agreement signed between Taiwan and Food For the Poor Haiti for the donation of 8240 tons of rice-tripfoumi.com

      HAITI (Jan. 27, 2024) “A memorandum of understanding was signed on Friday, January 26, 2024, between Taiwan and Food For The Poor Haiti for the donation of 8,240 tons of rice. Several personalities, including the Taiwanese ambassador, Wen-Jiann KU, the Executive Director of Food for the Poor Haiti, Mario Nicoleau, took part in the signing […]

    • Neida Sandoval celebrates links with Cepudo and Food For The Poor in San Pedro Sula-elpais.hn

      Neida Sandoval celebrates links with Cepudo and Food For The Poor in San Pedro Sula-elpais.hn

      HONDURAS (Feb. 2, 2024) “The renowned Honduran journalist, Neida Sandoval, during her visit to the industrial capital of Honduras, San Pedro Sula, celebrated, together with authorities from the Municipality of Sampedrana, her connection with the Cepudo and Food For The Poor organizations.” To read the full article, click here.

    • Haiti’s Crisis: International Aid and Security Discussions Amid Human Rights and Political Unrest-bnnbreaking.com

      Haiti’s Crisis: International Aid and Security Discussions Amid Human Rights and Political Unrest-bnnbreaking.com

      HONG KONG (Jan. 27, 2024) Throughout 2023, the human rights landscape in Haiti has been profoundly marred. According to human rights defender, Gérald Guillaume, a shocking 155 rapes were recorded in the department of Grande Anse, with an overwhelming 139 involving minors. This distressing statistic is a stark reminder of the depth of the crisis […]

    • San Pedro Sula Mayor’s Office Awards Recognition to Journalist Neida Sandoval-tiempo.hn

      San Pedro Sula Mayor’s Office Awards Recognition to Journalist Neida Sandoval-tiempo.hn

      HONDURAS (Feb. 2, 2024) “Neida told Diario Tiempo that she was very happy with the reception she received from the San Pedro Sula mayor’s office. …in addition, she assured that she accepts the commitment to be an ambassador for Food For The Poor and CEPUDO.” To read more, click here.

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    • Creating Lasting Hope: How FFTP Helps Families Build Stable Lives at Home

      Creating Lasting Hope: How FFTP Helps Families Build Stable Lives at Home

      COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (June 11, 2025) – In rural Colombia, families once faced an impossible choice: comply with the demands of armed groups or risk their lives. Growing illicit crops wasn’t a way of life they chose freely – it was about survival. Today, that story is changing – one berry and one shrimp at […]

    • Food For The Poor Annual Report Highlights a Year of Milestones

      Food For The Poor Annual Report Highlights a Year of Milestones

      COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (June 3, 2025) – Food For The Poor (FFTP), one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the United States, provided more than $367 million in aid in 2024, delivering vital support to communities across Latin America and the Caribbean. The impact, made possible through the generous support of its […]

    • North Broward Prep Students Raise Funds to Build a School in Honduras

      North Broward Prep Students Raise Funds to Build a School in Honduras

      COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (June 2, 2025) – Fifth-grade students at North Broward Preparatory School turned the page on their reading assignment and opened a new chapter for children in Honduras by raising about $45,000 to build a school in partnership with Food For The Poor (FFTP). The initiative was sparked by the students’ reading of […]

    • Food For The Poor’s Hope Fest Invites Community to See Charity Up Close on Saturday

      Food For The Poor’s Hope Fest Invites Community to See Charity Up Close on Saturday

      COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (May 1, 2025) – Food For The Poor (FFTP) is welcoming the South Florida community from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday for Hope Fest, an event with building tours, children’s activities, food trucks, and mission-driven fun. The event will take place at the charity’s Coconut Creek headquarters, 6401 Lyons Road. Admission […]

    • Hurricane Preparedness Week: FFTP Prepositions Critical Relief Supplies Ahead of Hurricane Season

      Hurricane Preparedness Week: FFTP Prepositions Critical Relief Supplies Ahead of Hurricane Season

      COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (April 28, 2025) – When Hurricane Beryl hit Jamaica as a Category 4 storm last July – bringing a wave of deadly destruction barely a month into hurricane season – Food For The Poor (FFTP) and its partners were ready. Weeks before the season began, FFTP had hundreds of disaster preparedness kits […]

    • Hope Fest on May 3 Kicks Off Week of Compassion Ahead of Food For The Poor Day

      Hope Fest on May 3 Kicks Off Week of Compassion Ahead of Food For The Poor Day

      COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (April 22, 2025) – For many children in Honduras, the chance to run, learn, and dream without pain is out of reach. This year, Food For The Poor (FFTP) is taking bold steps to change that. With the theme “Health Fuels Dreams,” FFTP is launching a special campaign for Food For The […]

    • Food For The Poor Restores Dignity and Freedom Through Prison Ministry Program

      Food For The Poor Restores Dignity and Freedom Through Prison Ministry Program

      COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (April 17, 2025) – This Holy Week, 53 prisoners walked out of prison as living testaments to compassion, mercy, and the power of second chances, thanks to Food For The Poor’s (FFTP) Prison Ministry Program. With support from generous donors, the charity paid the fines of nonviolent offenders in Haiti and Guyana, […]

    • Honduras Bridge Dedicated in Honor of CEPUDO’s Linda Coello

      Honduras Bridge Dedicated in Honor of CEPUDO’s Linda Coello

      COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (April 2, 2025) – In a tribute to her decades of service to the people of Honduras, Linda Coello, Founder and President of CEPUDO and a member of Food For The Poor’s (FFTP) Board of Directors, was honored with the dedication of the Linda Coello Bridge on Friday in San Pedro Sula. […]

    • World Water Day: FFTP Donors Send Huge Wave of Support for Vulnerable Families

      World Water Day: FFTP Donors Send Huge Wave of Support for Vulnerable Families

      COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (March 27, 2025) – Maria, a 32-year-old community leader in a sustainable community development in El Tablón, Guatemala, is one of the fortunate ones. Her community has access to clean water and now, thanks to generous Food For The Poor (FFTP) donors, more vulnerable children and families in Latin America and the […]

    • World Water Day: Food For The Poor Brings Hope to Families Facing the Scarcity of Water

      World Water Day: Food For The Poor Brings Hope to Families Facing the Scarcity of Water

      COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (March 18, 2025) – For 24-year-old Ximora, living in La Hierbabuena, Guatemala, the simple act of getting water is an exhausting, daily battle. Every day, she embarks on a grueling 97-minute trek on foot with her father, navigating steep hillsides, dense brush, and barbed-wire fences just to collect enough water for her […]

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    • How Agriculture Unlocks Food Security for Families in Latin America and the Caribbean

      How Agriculture Unlocks Food Security for Families in Latin America and the Caribbean

      Boosting Food Security: Sustainable Agriculture in Latin America and the Caribbean Imagine waking up at dawn every day, working in a corn or bean field from sunup to sundown, and still not having enough to feed your children. This is the heartbreaking struggle for many families across Latin America and the Caribbean. They are hardworking […]

    • Be Prepared: 5 Principles That Drive Emergency Response Efforts

      Be Prepared: 5 Principles That Drive Emergency Response Efforts

      Emergencies can upend lives in an instant, especially for families already struggling with poverty. Natural disasters, conflict, and health and humanitarian crises can erase livelihoods, destroy homes, and push communities deeper into despair. When crisis strikes, emergency response can mean the difference between survival and devastation. Having the right plans and resources in place can […]

    • Health Care Access in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Lifeline for Families in Poverty

      Health Care Access in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Lifeline for Families in Poverty

      Why Health Care Access for Families in Poverty Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean Families living in poverty urgently need health care access in Latin America and the Caribbean. When individuals are struggling in poverty, gaining access to health care is nearly impossible. Parents face so many challenges to find basic medical treatment for […]

    • Water and Sanitation: A Lifeline for Health and Sustainability

      Water and Sanitation: A Lifeline for Health and Sustainability

      Clean water and proper sanitation are more than just essential resources. They are powerful forces for change, creating the foundation of public health, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Yet, millions of people still lack access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation. This crisis only fuels the spread of diseases, hinders education, and deepens poverty. […]

    • Cultivating Hope: Empowering Women Through Training and Economic Opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean

      Cultivating Hope: Empowering Women Through Training and Economic Opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean

      How Food For The Poor Transforms Lives by Equipping Women With the Tools for Sustainable Success In the heart of Latin America and the Caribbean, the challenges of poverty often fall heaviest on women. Yet, when equipped with the right tools and opportunities, women can become powerful agents of change in their communities. Food For […]

    • 4 Essential Ways Capacity Building Drives Community Development

      4 Essential Ways Capacity Building Drives Community Development

      According to The United Nations, community development is defined as “a process where community members come together to take collective action and generate solutions to common problems.” It’s a means of bringing people together to identify challenges and create solutions that drive lasting change. [1] But true transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It is cultivated by empowering […]

    • Share Your Blessings: Provide Hope This December

      Share Your Blessings: Provide Hope This December

      Year-End Giving: Transform Lives, Spread Hope December is a time of reflection, gratitude, and giving. It’s a season that invites us to open our hearts and extend love to others. In this blog, you will: • Discover the power of year-end giving and the impact it has on children, families, and communities across Latin America […]

    • Three Ways Unity Through Giving Empowers Positive Change

      Three Ways Unity Through Giving Empowers Positive Change

      In a world filled with division, unity through giving emerges as a powerful force for positive change. When we share our time, talent, and resources, we forge connections that transform lives. Giving isn’t just about charity, it’s a catalyst for shared strength. It is generosity in action. The very act of giving is an act […]

    • Empowering Latin America and the Caribbean: Building Lasting Food Security

      Empowering Latin America and the Caribbean: Building Lasting Food Security

      Tackling Malnutrition in Latin America and the Caribbean Lack of access to nutritious food affects food securityOne of the biggest contributors to malnutrition in Latin America and the Caribbean is inadequate access to healthy foods. This lack of access leaves many without the necessary support or training to maintain a nutritious diet. “Food security is […]

    • Hispanic Heritage Month: FFTP Honors Team Members

      Hispanic Heritage Month: FFTP Honors Team Members

      This National Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, Food For The Poor is excited to highlight our Hispanic team members who are dedicated to our mission of supporting those in need throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Childhood Experiences Set the Stage for Maria Fernanda Rios’ Work at Food For The Poor As […]

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Honduras Inaugurations

November 22, 2021May 10, 2023 FFTP Digital

On Monday, Oct. 4th, 2010, I landed in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, (one of the scariest airports for landings and take-offs in the world). There is a very large mountain that appears to be right at the end of the runway – no matter whether you are taking off or landing! This was to be a “good news” trip because we were visiting there to inaugurate a number of housing and self-sustainability projects all over the country. Food For The Poor (FFP) has funded these communities in collaboration with CEPUDO, a local organization with which we partner that is devoted to the betterment of the lives of the poor, particularly women and children. The tireless, dynamic Linda Coello, who has recruited similarly energetic people to help her with her mission, leads CEPUDO, as founder and President.

We immediately set out for Valle de los Angeles in the mountains outside of the capital, where we inaugurated a village of high altitude, surrounded by beautiful mountains, with two nearby rivers whose rolling waters added their calming songs to the area. Truly, it felt as if there would be Angels hovering nearby. The homes looked like colorful chalets, and I joked with them when I was invited to speak, reminding them that my name was Angel and therefore they should build one of the homes for me in this special place. The happiness of the new homeowners was palpable and I reminded everyone that they should be very proud as they all, from youngest to the eldest, contributed their labor to achieve the completion of these long-awaited homes. I felt that I was in heaven – almost literally!

The community was named to honor Fr. Peter Drouin, a Canadian priest who devoted many years to helping the extreme poor of that vicinity. The First Lady of Honduras, Rosa Elena de Lobo, attended the inauguration. The community regaled us with music, folk dances and delicious food. A beautiful young lady, dressed in typical costume, invited me to join the dancers, despite my natural shyness :o), I quickly joined her on the stage area and allowed my Cuban/Jamaican heritage to come to my aid. I love to dance!

We then left for Nacaome, and I was warned repeatedly on the three and a half-hour ride, that even though it was their “cool time,” the city was well known to be the hottest in the country. We arrived at night and it was pleasantly cool. I gently chided my companions for their exaggerations. The next day, I went for an early morning walk in the city and it was equally cool. I felt myself wondering if the Hondurans in the group really new the meaning of the word “hot”. Having lived in Santiago (Cuba), Kingston (Jamaica) and South Florida all my life, I really understood “hot” – and that wasn’t even close to what I’ve experienced!

We left for the inauguration of homes at a place formerly called El Agujero (The Hole), but since receiving their new homes, the residents have changed the name to Valle de la Esperanza (Valley of Hope). At about 9:30 that morning, the gates of hell opened and it rained fire on that area as we all sat at the head table with sweat pouring off of us. It really was hot! My Honduran friends looked at me (rapidly dehydrating) with a knowing smile that shouted out, “I told you so!” – At the Miami airport, on the way back home, I met a young man from Honduras who was studying medicine in Madrid. He asked about our work in Honduras and I told him about the inaugurations. When I mentioned Nacaome, he said that he was from that area and he added that, “everyday at noon, the devil comes down to Nacaome in order to sell the cold sodas that he can’t sell in hell!”

The inauguration in Nacaome was an emotionally charged experience. Many of the women cried tears of happiness at the thought that the concept of being homeowners had suddenly become a reality. The poignant words of one of the women of the community that received a home truly touched my heart.

Someone pointed out a young woman to me, Guerlinda, and explained that when she was found to be HIV+ by her family, they threw her out of the house. An elderly woman from that village, Doña Francisca, took her in, nourished the sickly young woman whose health had deteriorated from being homeless and completely broke, and has treated her as a newly-found daughter since that time. I was so happy that now they would be able to live more comfortably, sharing their
new home.

I later had the opportunity to speak to Doña Francisca. I gave her a big hug and told her that I had heard of what she had done for Guerlinda. She looked at me with tears in her kind eyes and said, “We are poor, but even the poor can give.” So close to tears…

Again, we were treated to lively music, beautiful folk dances performed by small kids and adults, food, drink and many hugs. The poor have so little, but they are generous in giving what they have.

From here we traveled about half-hour to an area of Nacaome called The Corner of the Donkey. We also built homes here. The villagers testified that one of the women of the community had had a vision from God in her sleep that the community would receive homes, and in less than a year that vision turned out to be prophetic. Again, the villagers expressed their gratitude for their newly acquired homes, as their homes before were literally sticks and plastic sheeting. They have since changed the name of the community to “Rincon de los Milagros” (Corner of Miracles).

It struck me, as I heard of the new name, that our donors, our staff and our partners in the countries we serve are truly performing miracles. I witnessed miracle after miracle on this trip to Honduras. Unfortunately, we have many left to perform, so let us be strong and take heart. We shall continue in our relentless pursuit of the miraculous!

From here we drove to Comayagua – a beautiful colonial city surrounded by both mountains and extreme poverty. Julio, our photographer for this trip, accompanied me on a two-hour walk/conversation exploring the beauty of this ancient city. In the morning I also took a more lonely early-morning walk and was able to see the inside of the charming Cathedral/Basilica of this first capital city of Honduras. The stay at the hotel, albeit for only one night, was typical of the city in its charm and loveliness.

After an early breakfast, we drove out to an area outside the city where is housed the technical mission of our wonderful partners ICDF (Taiwan), the charitable arm of the Taiwanese government. They have gifted FFP and the poor with their expertise in aquaculture (tilapia farming), agriculture, animal husbandry and education/technology.

On this occasion we joined them for the inauguration of five tilapia ponds, each with a capacity for 10,000 fish. We released 10,000 fingerlings into each pond and we thought of the tremendous difference that 50,000 adult tilapia would make to that community, both nutritionally and financially.

We then traveled with them up the mountain to inaugurate a “pelibuey” (hair-sheep) project. These are sheep that have hair instead of wool and they are known for the quantity and quality of the meat they produce. The herd of 50 females and 5 males are a mixture of hair-sheep and black-belly sheep. The recipients expressed deep appreciation for this wonderful opportunity that they had been given to feel the pride of supporting their own families through this project.

On to the long ride to get to Peña Blanca (White Rock) where we were inaugurating 12 homes in a community with a very interesting history. Fifty years ago, an American doctor from Texas decided to move to this area of Honduras and, together with his beautiful wife, he devoted his life to the care of the poor residents of the area. The couple founded an orphanage, which is still run by family members (a daughter and granddaughter who is a nurse) and they truly thought of the children there as their children. Sadly, Dr. Johnburg passed away some years ago, but his 89 year-old widow was there for the celebration. Her energy was incredible, as she maneuvered herself with a walker on the difficult, wet, sloping terrain while recuperating from a broken hip! Her eyes sparkled with love for her adoptive children and her smile was contagious.

It poured almost the entire time that we were there, but this did not dampen the spirits of any of those present. We were regaled with music and songs from a children’s choir and a trio of women, home recipients. All were originally orphans from the aforementioned orphanage. They harmonized beautifully as they sang a rendition of two Christian songs. As we listened, our shoes were stuck in the mud, but our spirits were soaring like kites. Beautiful evening!

Marale, in the department of Francisco Morazan, was likely the hardest hit area by Hurricane Mitch in 1997. They suffered great loss, including loss of life. Many promises had been made to them, but little was done. Now, for the first time, promises were fulfilled in the form of 44 new homes for the families living in the worst condition. I was proud to represent FFP in bringing a ray comfort into their chronic and profound suffering.

One can see the deeply-etched sadness in the faces of the people there. One of the speakers stated that the name of Marale has been written with pain, suffering, tears, sweat and blood. At long last there was some relief.

The town of Marale was amidst the department’s many mountains. The town’s one church, Church of the Black Christ, dominated the town atop its highest point. The road from the church led one down to the humble but quaint town square – a town obviously lacking resources.

When walking though Marale, I came across the town’s “loca” (“crazy lady”), named Virginia. I was captivated by her, initially because she reminded me of a drawing that appeared next to a poem by the Cuban black poet, Nicolas Guillén, called “La Muerte” (Death). Her face appeared skeletal. I believe she is homeless, living in the forest outside of the town. Her teeth were in terrible condition, she was in great need of a bath, her hair was uncombed and matted. Her face and hair were covered with dried-on dirt. When I spoke to her, I wondered how long since a human being had touched her (physically or emotionally). I wanted to hug her, but at that moment I could not find the courage. While I was talking to her, I did place my hand gently on the side of her face.

Later, when I spoke at the inauguration of the new homes in the village, I felt compelled to challenge the citizens to make efforts to take care of Virginia as a collective responsibility of the town. The mayor and the people responded kindly to this challenge after my talk and promised to do something about her living conditions. Some of the visiting mayors from nearby towns thanked me for bringing up what was surely a sensitive issue and they promised to do something about the mentally challenged people of their towns as well.

I have made a promise to myself that one day I will return to give her the warm hug that I was not brave enough to give her during our first brief encounter.

Her face continues to haunt me.

To view more pictures from Angel’s trip, please visit the Food For The Poor Facebook album.


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