Many Hands has a deep-rooted history with Haiti, but why? We realize there are many places in this broken world that are crying out for the love and help of God, so why did Many Hands choose Haiti? Learn more about Haiti’s unique history and Many Hands’ connection with Haiti in this article written by Summer Brand, Many Hands’ Marketing Coordinator. She urges readers to put themselves in the perspective of those we serve– the people who are the least of these– and understand the cycle of poverty Haitians have been stuck in for generation after generation.
Haiti: A Legacy of Resilience and a Path to Progress
Haiti, the first Black republic and the first independent Caribbean nation, holds a rich history steeped in culture and resilience. Yet, it’s also a history marked by hardship, instability, and the enduring impact of foreign intervention. This isn’t a tale of a people lacking initiative, but rather a proud nation that has fought tirelessly against overwhelming odds – a people deserving of our understanding and support.
Students from the Many Hands’ School of Light in Pignon, Haiti
Since Columbus’ arrival in 1492, Haiti (then Hispaniola) faced exploitation. The indigenous Taino population suffered greatly from disease and forced labor, paving the way for the arrival of African slaves who endured brutal conditions on sugar plantations. This exploitation fueled immense wealth for European powers, initially Spain and then France, at a devastating human cost.
The Haitian Revolution (1791-1804) stands as a beacon of hope and resistance. Enslaved Haitians, led by Toussaint Louverture and later Jean-Jacques Dessalines, rose up against their oppressors in a fight for freedom that shook the world. They achieved independence, a monumental feat, but at a devastating price. The new nation was crippled by debt, forced to pay reparations to France for “lost property” (the enslaved people themselves), setting the stage for future economic challenges.
Above and Below: The living situation of a family in Haiti… unfortunately this is a common sight
This is where the pattern of harmful outside intervention truly begins. Foreign powers, including the United States, viewed Haiti as a threat – a successful slave revolt that challenged the very foundations of their own societies. Instead of support, Haiti faced isolation, trade embargoes, and even military occupation by the U.S. (1915-1934).
These interventions often exacerbated existing problems. For instance, in the 1980s, the U.S. flooded Haiti with subsidized rice. While well-intentioned, this undercut local farmers, devastating the Haitian rice industry and increasing dependence on imports. This is just one example of how seemingly helpful aid can have unintended, harmful consequences.
Above: A birds-eye view of Haiti in all its beauty
Above: A view of Haiti from the ground… still in all its beauty
Haiti’s struggles are further compounded by internal factors. A small group of wealthy elites, often with ties to foreign businesses, controls much of the country’s wealth and resources. This oligarchy has historically benefited from instability, hindering the development of democratic institutions and perpetuating poverty.
Despite these challenges, the Haitian people persevere. They are resourceful, hardworking, and possess a vibrant culture that shines through music, art, and community. At Many Hands, we believe in the strength and potential of the Haitian people. We are dedicated to working alongside them to build a brighter future, focusing on sustainable development in the Pignon region.
Above: Haitian girls a Many Hands team met in January, 2025
Above: Workers in Haiti make prgress on a construction project
Above: Many Hands staff and a Haitian family after finishing a concrete floor for the family pictured
Many Hands for Haiti: Love in Action
Our work is rooted in the belief that lasting change comes from empowering communities. We focus on five initiatives:
Education: We believe that education is the cornerstone of progress. We support schools, provide scholarships, and offer vocational training to equip Haitians with the skills they need to thrive.
Above: Schoolkids at the Many Hands’ School of Light campus in Pignon, Haiti
Healthcare: Access to quality healthcare is essential for any community to flourish. We operate a health clinic, provide mobile medical clinics, and support community health workers to ensure that Haitians have access to the care they need.
Above: Haitian kid on a pedcart due to the support we provide through our various medical assistance programs
Economic Opportunity: We believe in creating sustainable economic opportunities that empower Haitians to lift themselves out of poverty. We support small businesses and offer agricultural training to help Haitians build a better future for themselves and their families.
Above: Artisans who work for Vi Bella, one of Many Hands’ partnership organizations who employ Haitians, are excited as they send off their jewelry and other handmade, Haitian goods, to the U.S.
Safe Homes: We provide safe and secure housing for families in need. Our homes are built with durable materials to protect against natural disasters and provide a stable foundation for families to thrive.
Above and Below (x2): Home construction projects; specifically home building, interior painting, and the installment of a cement floor
Leadership Development: We invest in developing future leaders who will drive positive change in their communities. We provide training, mentorship, and opportunities for emerging leaders to develop the skills and experience they need to make a difference.
Above: A member of one of our Lead Like Jesus classes we provide in Haiti
We envision a Haiti where all citizens have the opportunity to reach their full potential. We believe that by working together, we can break the cycle of poverty and instability and create a future where all Haitians can thrive.
We invite you to join us on this journey. Learn more about Haiti’s history, its people, and the work we’re doing to empower communities. Consider supporting our efforts and becoming a part of the positive change taking place in Haiti. Together, we can help create a future for Haiti that is filled with hope and opportunity.
What’s pictured above is a bridge in Haiti that Many Hands helped to build recently. It is the perfect illustration to wrap up this piece of writing. By bridging the gap between Haiti’s history and the hopes we have for Haiti’s future, we strive to impact those who are present in Haiti today. We hope you can cross whatever bridges you may face to join us in this journey. It’s not an easy journey to be a part of, but it it the one God has called us to take.
— Summer Brand
About Many Hands: Many Hands is an Iowa-based nonprofit creating local and global life transformation. Established in 2008, the organization aims to ignite generosity, grow community, and take people on Impact journeys to carve a new, better path to life. Each year, the organization reaches at least 25,000 people through its operations in the Caribbean, IMPACT Trips serving in Abaco, Bahamas, and Many Hands Thrift Markets located in Iowa. Many Hands is called to transform together, to be love in action, in a broken world.
