Village of Hope Returns Home to Food For The Poor, Strengthening Support for Children and Families in Haiti
COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Jan. 5, 2026) – Village of Hope, a charitable organization dedicated to helping vulnerable children in Haiti, is officially returning to Food For The Poor (FFTP), the organization that helped bring its mission to life more than 30 years ago. Following prayerful discernment and unanimous support from its Board of Directors, the transition officially took effect on Jan.1, 2026.
“We have walked alongside the people of Haiti for more than four decades,” said FFTP President/CEO, Ed Raine. “The Food For The Poor-Haiti staff, our trusted partners, and our long-held relationships with communities across the country form the backbone of everything we do. That infrastructure will now help amplify the work that Village of Hope donors have nurtured so faithfully.”
Village of Hope traces its roots to 1994, when FFTP Founder Ferdinand “Ferdy” Mahfood led 10 pastors on a mission trip to Haiti. Moved by the resilience and faith of the Haitian people, they envisioned a place where children and families could find hope and opportunity. That vision became the Village of Hope School in Ganthier, located east of Port-au-Prince.
“Returning home to Food For The Poor marks a renewed chapter of strength, unity, and expanded impact for children and families in Haiti,” said Village of Hope Executive Director, Dan Zieschang. “By renewing our relationship with Food For The Poor, we will amplify our ability to provide education, health care, and spiritual support for those living in extreme poverty.”
Since its inception three decades ago, Village of Hope has helped thousands of children and families through education, health care, and community support. Even when escalating gang violence forced operations to shift from Ganthier, the mission continued in Dubout, Bord de Mer, and Bondeau, where over the last nine months, Village of Hope has provided education for approximately 400 students, served 72,500 meals, and supported communities displaced by unrest.
FFTP has remained a steadfast presence in Haiti through many challenges – including earthquakes, hurricanes, and ongoing instability. Following Hurricane Melissa, the charity responded immediately with food, water, and emergency supplies, demonstrating the infrastructure and reach that will now further strengthen Village of Hope’s work.
Village of Hope donors have been kept informed of plans to return to FFTP since September 2025, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. During the charity’s recent year-end fundraising campaign, supporters raised funds to help sustain four Our Lady of the Poor Clinics in Port-au-Prince, a lifesaving health care initiative also supported by FFTP.
“As Village of Hope returns home to Food For The Poor, our shared mission grows stronger,” said Village of Hope Board of Directors Chairman, Pastor Andy Hagen. “Together, we can meet immediate needs while investing in the long-term future of Haiti’s children.”
To ensure continuity and honor donor intent, key Village of Hope leaders and board members will serve on an Advisory Committee, guiding program decisions during and beyond the transition. In addition, Zieschang will continue to serve in an advisory role.
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.
Ernestine Williams
Communications
305-321-7342
[email protected]
