Haiti is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, and among the poorest in the world.  Ninety-five percent of Haiti's 6.5 million people are descendents of African slaves brought to the New World to cut sugar cane; most of the rest are Mulatto descendents of French settlers.  About 70% are illiterate.  Life expectancy is 54 years old and one of every five Haitian children dies of malnutrition, dehydration and diarrhea before the age of four.

Per capita annual income is $350.00 and 75% of the people live below the poverty level set by the World Bank.  More than half of the population is unemployed; most scratch out a subsistence living in agriculture.

Haiti is in turmoil due to political unrest. There are extreme humanitarian needs as people are cut off and isolated throughout the country.  Despite living in material poverty, the people in Haiti have an extreme amount of endurance, but they truly need our help.

Haiti is a 2 1/2 hour plane flight from the Florida coast.