Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere.  It's citizens rely on an income of $1.80 per day, compounding their ability to sustain themselves. Haiti is also the most heavily deforested country in our hemisphere. Widespread deforestation has lead to soil erosion, which has consequently made agriculture all but impossible. The topsoil erosian has aslo caused the reef to die off making fishing an exercise in futiity. Haiti's deforestation has also contributed to poor freshwater quality through streambed siltation and loss of forest resources for both housing and fuel wood. Fully three quarters of the monetary resources of the Haitian economy is generated outside the country, half through direct aid, and one quarter from ex-patriot Haitian's sending money to their families.
 
The beautiful island of Ile A Vache, off Haiti's southern coast is not exempt from these same challenges. Fortunately it's population of 25,000 was spared the outward effects of the earthquake which devastated the much of the country on January 11, 2011. They suffered secondary effects however, such as overpopulation which stressed it's already weakened supplies of food and shelter. As a result of the earthquake, aid that had previously flowed to the citizens of Ile A Vache has been re directed to to the earthquake victims. This has left the residents of of Ile A Vache with incomes and resources substantially below their previous $1.80 a day levels. 
 
Through direct aid and economic development from the Good Samaritan Foundation, the citizens of Ile A Vache have the opportunity to raise themselves out of the cycle of poverty.  
 
Our Micro Credit Program the Good Samaritan Foundation of Haiti, Inc is seeking to develop commerce. Small loans are given for a short period of time thus generating enough capital to start small businesses.  These seemingly small loans have the ability to change the lives of entire families and eventually the local economy.
 
Through our Treadle Sewing Machine Project, commerce will be developed as women manufacture and sew sail bags from recycled sails. These sails will be taken from their Haitian skiffs after they have been replaced with sails coming from larger boats on neighboring Caribbean Islands. These sail bags will be sold in the United States and the profits brought back to stimulate the local economy as fair trade items .  

By developing and supporting on-going educational programs we hope to make new areas of trade avavilble to the residents of Ile A Vache. Our new K-12  public school is well on it's way to being constructed.  We expect it to be ready to occupy by fall of 2011.  When completed, it will house a library, cafeteria, cistern and lavatory in addition to 8 new classrooms. Where most schools in Haiti are private, the Good Samaritan School will be open for anyone to attend regardless of income or other criteria.
 
The Crocs Shoe Program has let us provide shoes to every man, women and child in Ile A Vache by collecting and shipping new and used Crocs on a continuous basis.  These shoes have proven to be just the thing for the amphibious needs of the population and are equally loved by both sexes.
 
Through our Dental Hygiene and Education Program Good Samaritan Foundation provides new toothbrushes and toothpaste to each child who attends school on a regular basis. At least twice a year demonstrations are given in proper dental care and brushing.
 

These programs are just the beginning! Through your generousity and on-going support what we DO will truly make a DIFFERENCE in the lives of so many. Contact us today and ask how YOU can make a difference too!