With almost NO clean water sources in this community, water-borne illness is the single greatest contributor to poor health, disease and mortality. It has proven to be a root cause in malnutrition and a host of other illnesses that lead to life-threatening conditions. Our project objective is to ensure safe, accessible drinking water for the entire population.

Working with a group of local educators, HOPE is planning a new community center to support child and adult literacy, teacher training and community education on basic health and sanitation.

In May of 2005, with the support of Partners in Health, H.O.P.E. initiated this project to significantly increase health services in Borgne and the surrounding communities. As a first step, Dr. Jerome and H.O.P.E. volunterrs, in conjunction with local health professionals, conducted a broad assessment of needs and developed an overall improvement plan based on the PIH model. This project will leverage H.O.P.E.'s successful clinic and community development model, PIH's success in delivering health care to the poor, and the Haitian Department of Health for badly needed staffing and facilities.

In support of the local peasant leaders economic development organization (MODEIB), H.O.P.E. is helping to fund and develop a tree nursery at Borgne. Once successful, this initial pilot project will be extended to several other habitations needing reforestation. This is a sustainable and renewable venture.