Haitian Health Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions about
The Haitian Health Foundation

Q: How many people does The Haitian Health Foundation care for?

Q: How can I help The Haitian Health Foundation?

Q: Do you take used clothing or used shoes?

Q: What kinds of things can I collect for the poor of Haiti (or for my family sponsored in the Save-a-Family program)?

Q: How do I send these supplies/material donations to Haiti?

Below: Questions for Travelers to HHF

Q: How many people does The Haitian Health Foundation care for?

A: We provide health, development, and the hope for a future to over 225,000 people in 104 villages. See our “History and Accomplishments” section for more information.

Q: How can I help The Haitian Health Foundation?

A: Please see our section “How You Can Help”. Your financial support is always welcomed. And, to keep our operating costs low – unrestricted donations are most welcome. We also encourage your telling others about our work in Haiti and organizing fundraising/Tuna/Spam drives.

Q: Do you take used clothing or used shoes?

A: No. Shipping used clothing and shoes is very expensive. We only take new summer clothes and new shoes. New underwear is always desirable, especially children's sizes.

Q: Do you take expired medication?

A: No. Donated medicine should be at least one year from expiration date.

Q: Do you take medical supplies?

A: Usually. Please contact HHF Norwich (Marilyn@HaitianHealthFoundation.org) before dropping off or shipping any supplies.

Q: What kinds of things can I collect for the poor of Haiti (or for my family, if I'm a Save-a-Family sponsor)?

A: Canned foods (tuna in oil, Spam, ravioli, corned hash, beef stew, tomatoes). Keep in mind that the food must be NON-PERISHABLE, as it will sit in a very hot Land-Sea container for several months before reaching our clinic. Other suggestions are: flashlights, radios, watches (with extra batteries). Contact HHF Norwich (Marilyn@HaitianHealthFoundation.org) for more suggestions.

Q: How do I send these supplies/material donations to Haiti?

A: Send them to our office in Connecticut (HHF, 97 Sherman Street, Norwich, CT 06360). We will pack them onto a 40 foot Land-Sea container – we send one about 4 times a year to Haiti. Call the CT Office (860-886-4357) to volunteer to help us pack – it’s quite an experience!

Questions for Travelers to HHF

WHAT TO EXPECT

PREPARATION FOR YOUR TRIP

EXPENSES

MISCELLANEOUS TRAVEL QUESTIONS

WHAT TO EXPECT

Q: What can I expect on a typical pilgrimage?

A: There is no such thing as a “typical pilgrimage”. Every journey is unique, depending on the interests and skills of the participants. We often travel hours into remote villages on eroded roads. It is a trip for those who are in good health and able to withstand bumpy drives over treacherous roads and through rivers. Since Haiti is so mountainous, good hiking/running shoes are a necessity.   The temperature is HOT – usually high 90’s to 100.
    Things work more slowly in Haiti than they do in the US, and often plans change from minute to minute. Power outages, water shortage, and transportation delays should be expected, so it’s important to have a spirit of adventure and a lot of patience.

PREPARATION FOR YOUR TRIP

Q: Do I need a passport?
A: Yes.

Q: What currency is used?

A: Haitian gourdes are the standard currency, but American money is preferred, since the exchange rate on the gourde is so poor.

Q: Should I get any immunizations?

A: Please consult your personal physician for his/her recommendations. Many visitors choose to update their Tetanus and Hepatitis immunizations, and some choose to take pills against malaria. Some also bring medications against “traveler’s diarrhea”. Please visit the US Center for Disease Control’s website at: www.cdc.org or call 800-331-3435 for the latest health advisories and guidelines to consider when traveling outside the U.S. Should you have any special medical problems or have questions regarding your health requirements, vaccinations, etc … please consult your personal physician as early as possible prior to your departure.

Q: Can I drink the water?

A: You cannot drink water right from the taps or brush your teeth with it. We will have plenty of filtered, safe water available for you at the clinic. Showers will be cold, and we ask that you please conserve water when bathing—it is a scarce commodity!

Q: Will there be electricity?

A: The clinic residence has electricity—however, it usually runs low, and there is the possibility of losing it for several hours at a time. We ask visitors to conserve power as much as possible.

Q: What is the food like?

A: Our cook is excellent and will create a variety of dishes – we haven’t gotten a complaint yet! She is able to accommodate special dietary needs (diabetic, vegetarian, etc.), if we know the needs in advance. Basically, you will be eating familiar foods, such as chicken, rice, beans, pasta, oranges, and soup. Local foods such as avocados, coconuts, goat, mangos, breadfruit, etc. are sometimes offered as well. The food is safe to eat at our clinic dining room—it is not safe to eat foods from street vendors.

Q: Do I have to speak French?

A: No, we will have translators available. The universal language in Haiti is Creole, which is based on French, so even knowing “un peu” will help you to communicate.

EXPENSES

Q: How much does it cost to go on a pilgrimage to Haiti?

1) Round trip airfare (American Airlines) from your city to Port au Prince varies anywhere from $500-$800. We do not arrange this flight – you book it personally, through a travel agent or online at www.aa.com. Please do not book your flight until you talk with us about your itinerary. Some flights get into Port au Prince too late to catch the same-day flight to Jérémie. Sunday flights usually require no overnight stays in Port au Prince; however, if flights are delayed or there is bad weather, the group may have to stay one night in Port au Prince (approximately $100 US), leaving early the next day to fly to Jérémie.

In-Country Expenses: Bring traveler’s checks or personal checks and about one hundred dollars in cash. You can pay for your expenses in Jérémie with a traveler’s checks or a personal check.

2) In-Country Transportation and Flight to Jérémie: Once we are through customs in Port au Prince, our driver will bring us to the small airport for our 45-minute flight to Jérémie. About $270 per person is sufficient for this round-trip flight and the ride to and from the airport. We will make these arrangements.

3) Room and Board: $55 per day. This includes room, meals, water, and laundry. You are on the "honor system" for other beverages (Soda/Beer/Rum)—we ask for $1 per beverage.

4) Tip for Haitian Staff: There are 3 women on staff to make your stay a comfortable one - a cook, housekeeper, and laundress. The staff is a great group of people who work hard. We ask for $5 per woman per day—they are so good, most people leave more!

5) Departure tax: $35 US per person due at Port au Prince upon departure.

6) HHF Craft Store: We will make time on the trip to visit the HHF Craft Store, which helps support local artists, embroiderers, craftspeople. Paintings, baskets, jewelry, clothing, etc. can be purchased with traveler’s checks, personal checks, or cash. There are also crafts available at the airport as you depart Haiti—they are much more expensive than what you will pay at the HHF store.

MISCELLANEOUS TRAVEL QUESTIONS

Q: How much luggage may I bring?

A: Please travel with only one suitcase and one carry-on. Bring important medications, glasses, etc… and enough for one night in the carry-on (just in case).

Q: What should I wear/bring?

Females: Summer/light clothing – medium/long skirts, light pants, modest tops. Local customs advise dresses when in town or the villages; “scrub” outfits are also fine.

Males: Summer/light clothing – thin long pants, thin shirts. Long pants or “scrub” outfits are fine in town and in the villages.

Everyone: Pack lightly! We have an excellent laundress who will get your clothes back to you quickly – usually the next day. Pack good walking/hiking (closed) shoes. Modest shorts are acceptable when relaxing at the clinic residence. You should also bring a camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a second pair of shoes, a water bottle, and insect repellent. Do not bring expensive jewelry, rings, or gold chains. Wear a cheap watch and bring a bathing suit in case we have time to stop by a local beach.

Q: How do I keep helping the poor of Haiti once I return home?

A: It is our hopes that you return to your home energized and still thinking about helping these poorest neighbors. Many travelers organize slide shows or inspirational speeches at their churches, schools, and civic clubs. In addition, we encourage “Tuna/Spam Drives”. Our staff is eager to help you start a fundraising campaign wherever you live.