In 2010, the 410 Bridge started partnering with communities in beautiful Haiti. We currently serve the communities of Bousquette, Camp Mary, Cercady, Fond Baptiste, Jeanton, Morency and others.
Because of our unique community development model, communities are empowered and projects become sustainable, they are not fully dependent on Western short term missions teams to complete or maintain. This allows each team time and energy to pursue relationships as they work alongside community members on projects and through visits in their homes and churches.
Each trip provides an unique opportunity to engage and interact with members of a 410 Bridge community. Teams start to see ‘our neighbors’ have the same hopes and dreams that we do. We see teams encounter life changing experiences, and inspired to continue using their gifts to serve the Kingdom.
History
Haiti became the first independent nation in Latin America and the first black-led republic in the world. During the rest of the 19th century, Haiti was under the control of a succession of dictators. Early in the 20th century the U.S. took control of Haiti; for the next 30 years, Haiti was a U.S. protectorate. It was not returned to local rule until after World War II. Elections in 1957 brought Dr. Francis Duvalier who presided over a vicious authoritarian regime. Several military governments followed before Haiti transitioned to civilian rule.
On April 4, 2011, Michel Martelly, better known as “Sweet Micky”, stepped in as Haiti’s newly elected President. He continued to work toward keeping peace in the country, and rebuilding the country from the horrific earthquake of 2010, which killed an estimated 300,000 individuals and left over one million others homeless.
In 2012, Haiti was named the poorest country in the world, with a poverty rate of 77%. The devastation of the earthquake on January 12, 2010 nearly destroyed the capital city of Port-au-Prince and much of the surrounding area.
October 2016, Hurricane Matthew devastated much of Haiti. Many 410 Bridge communities were affected and lost virtually everything – loved ones, schools, homes, churches, crops, livestock and livelihoods. The 410 Bridge was quick to respond.
Climate Conditions
Haiti has a generally hot and humid tropical climate, although weather can vary considerably due to the geographical features which include mountains, valleys, plateaus and plains. November through March is Haiti’s dry season. January is typically the driest month of the year in Haiti. The rainy season is April through October, with May usually being the wettest month. Being a Caribbean nation, tropical storms and hurricanes are an annual threat.
