Celebration of Hope Gala to Bring Safe Homes and Hope to Families in Bondeau, Haiti
COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Sept. 8, 2025) – In the Haitian community of Bondeau, families continue to live in homes so unsafe that they hide under their beds during storms.
Cracked walls, sinking foundations, and leaky roofs are daily realities for residents still recovering from Hurricane Matthew, which hit Haiti on Oct. 4, 2016, and the earthquake of 2021. Mothers like Yvrose Etienne struggle to keep their children safe while facing the constant threat of collapsing homes and limited access to basic necessities.
“We endure extreme hardship,” Yvrose said. “Since the earthquake, our homes have developed cracks and are at risk of collapsing at any moment. This is why we are turning to Food For The Poor for help, because our living conditions are dire.”
In a poignant reminder of Haiti’s struggles and resilience, Food For The Poor (FFTP) will host its 26th Annual Celebration of Hope Gala virtually on Saturday, Oct. 4 – the same day Hurricane Matthew struck Haiti nine years ago – with the goal of raising funds to build 30 sturdy, hurricane-resistant homes in Bondeau. This first phase of the Housing for Bondeau project, developed in partnership with South Florida Haiti Project (SFHP) and FFTP-Haiti, will impact approximately 30 homeowners in addition to 120 family members.
“Between 2018 and 2025, I was unable to visit Haiti and walk with the people I love so dearly,” said Dr. Lynne Nasrallah, Chair of the Celebration of Hope Gala and a member of FFTP’s Board of Directors. “I used to hold their hands, walk through their communities, and talk about hope for the future, hope that Food For The Poor donors would be generous in building homes, schools, and community centers.”
The gala comes at a time when Haiti faces a prolonged national crisis. Violent gang activity, political instability, and fuel shortages have paralyzed many regions, especially Port-au-Prince. While Bondeau is not at the epicenter of the violence, residents have been deeply affected by rising food insecurity, isolation, and lack of government support. In this context, the Housing for Bondeau project is a lifeline for families striving for safety and stability.
“These families have waited long enough,” said FFTP President/CEO Ed Raine. “This project represents more than concrete and roofs – it is a promise of stability, safety, and a chance to begin again. The support raised through this gala will change lives in a deeply personal and permanent way.”
Each home will be built using reinforced concrete blocks, elevated foundations, and hurricane-resistant zinc roofs. Homes will feature two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and porch, along with essential furnishings such as beds, a kerosene stove, and a solar light kit.
Since 2009, South Florida Haiti Project, a coalition of Episcopal churches and individuals, has supported Bondeau through education, healthcare, and clean water, while emphasizing Haitian leadership and local decision-making. The organization works closely with Bon Samaritan Episcopal School in Haiti, which serves over 3,500 students.
To register or donate, visit foodforthepoor.org/celebration.
Celebration of Hope Gala committee members include: Linda Bonnewitz, Bruny and Paula Compas, George and Kim del Campo, Mike and Dr. Desirae Friend, Cynthia Hawkins, Nicole Nasrallah, George and Joanne Olson, Lisa Padilla Ortiz, Nancy Padilla, Dwight and Lisa Saathoff, honorary, Tom and Jean Wilkes, honorary, and Jean and Donna Wilson, honorary.
About Food For The Poor
Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the United States, is committed to facilitating paths out of poverty and transforming lives. As an interdenominational Christian ministry, we help families across Latin America and the Caribbean. Our efforts span urgent humanitarian relief and long-term development – from emergency aid and hunger alleviation to education, housing, and economic empowerment. We follow a distinctive approach that integrates faith, multi-sector strategies, and trusted partnerships. Whenever possible, we strive to work at the community level, partnering with local leaders and residents to co-create sustainable solutions that address the multi-dimensional nature of poverty. For more information, please visit foodforthepoor.org.
Michael Turnbell
Communications
954-471-0928
[email protected]
