A message from Wayne Hursen, Co-chair Boca Grande Committee:

Janice and I were recently introduced as the new co-chairs of the Boca Grande Homes for Haiti Committee at the recent 2026 fund raising event at the Beach Club.  This will be the 16th year we have partnered with Food for the Poor (FFTP) to build homes, schools and hospitals in Haiti.

I recently spent 3 days in Haiti in January to investigate and evaluate the IDADEE neighborhood of Balan where our goal is to build 33 homes.  This is a community outside of the second largest city, Cap-Haitian, located in the Northern part of the island.  WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!!  Many adjectives could be used, but TRANSFORMATIVE is the best.

IDADEE is a neighborhood that has a full-service hospital, orphanage, worship/community center, gymnasium and a soccer field.  It also includes a private Christian-based school, pre-K through 12, with over 700 students.  Each student is supplied with a hot lunch and a hot meal to take home at the end of the day.  All of these facilities have been funded through private donations.

We are communicating with you today to help us fund to build 33 homes.  The cost of each 525 sq. ft. house is $12,200 dollars.  The house includes a living area, two bedrooms, a kitchen, bathroom, water reservoir, minimal furnishings, and solar lighting.  These homes will typically house 3-4 generations.  The selected receiving families are required to supply some “sweat equity” during the build, usually supplied by the extended family or neighbors.

FFTP has a full-time staff in Haiti to accomplish this task and is project driven. 100% of the donations go to the build.  This area is underserved by the government, is safe and NOT controlled by gangs.

Please would you help us to supply much needed housing to the IDADEE neighborhood of Balan? https://foodforthepoor.donorsupport.co/page/2026bocagrande 

I am available to answer questions about this project at (412) 980-3014 and about my recent experience in Haiti. We would appreciate your consideration.

Sincerely, Wayne