The search for justice in Haiti has drawn international attention, but for many Haitian families, the deeper longing is for peace—the kind that allows them to live without fear, raise their children safely, and hope for tomorrow.

On July 7, 2021, Haitian president Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in his home. While global media coverage focused largely on investigations and political uncertainty, the voices heard most clearly in Port-au-Prince were those of ordinary citizens. Protesters took to the streets chanting, “No justice, no peace,” demanding accountability. Yet beyond these public demonstrations, countless families were already crying out quietly—having endured years of instability, loss, and gang violence.

A Nation Under Strain

Haiti remains the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and one of the poorest globally, with an estimated 59 percent of the population living below the poverty line. Long before the current violence, the country’s economic development had been severely weakened by repeated natural disasters.

The devastating 2010 earthquake claimed thousands of lives and destroyed critical infrastructure. In its wake came Hurricane Sandy (2012), Hurricane Matthew (2016), and additional earthquakes and storms that repeatedly set back recovery efforts. More recently, the global COVID‑19 pandemic further strained an already fragile economy and health system. Together, these shocks—combined with ongoing political unrest—have fuelled insecurity and contributed to the rise in gang activity.

In early June 2021, heavily armed rival gangs began clashing in the neighbourhoods of Martissant and Fontamara, areas already marked by poverty. As violence escalated, families lost what little stability they had left.

Homes were burned, bystanders were injured or killed, and thousands were forced to flee. Within weeks, hundreds of thousands of people were affected, many suddenly displaced and without safe access to food, shelter, or basic services.

Standing With Families Seeking Safety

Displaced families sought refuge wherever they could—with relatives, neighbours, and in makeshift evacuation sites such as the Carrefour Sports Centre. There, more than 1,000 households erected temporary shelters under dire conditions. Families crowded together with limited access to clean water, sanitation, or adequate food. Torrential rains and rising COVID‑19 cases only intensified their vulnerability, while ongoing gang violence restricted humanitarian access.

Through long‑standing local partnerships, World Renew has continued to respond despite these challenges. Working alongside trusted Haitian partners, staff have been able to deliver food assistance and hygiene supplies to vulnerable households, including families displaced by violence and those affected by COVID‑19. These partners are deeply rooted in their communities and able to reach people both inside temporary shelters and beyond them.

This work includes meeting immediate food needs, addressing urgent hygiene concerns—particularly for women and adolescent girls—and coordinating with other humanitarian actors to improve safety and dignity in overcrowded shelter environments. With limited sanitation facilities placing women and girls at increased risk, establishing gender‑sensitive and private latrines has also been a critical priority.

Choosing Justice, Mercy, and Hope

While gangs battle for control, a greater struggle continues—the struggle to uphold justice, extend mercy, and restore dignity for people caught in the crossfire. Peace in Haiti is not only about ending violence; it is about walking with communities as they rebuild trust, resilience, and hope after years of hardship.

World Renew remains committed to standing alongside Haitian families, responding to urgent needs, and supporting longer‑term recovery rooted in compassion and partnership.

Please Keep Haiti in Your Prayers

• Pray for wisdom and courage among leaders and community influencers pursuing peaceful solutions.
• Pray that those involved in violence will seek unity and restoration rather than power and control.
• Pray for families living in fear, that they may experience God’s peace and protection.
• Pray for healing, forgiveness, and compassion among all those affected by trauma and loss.
• Pray for fair access to health care and vaccines, and for continued vigilance against preventable illness.
• Pray for World Renew staff and local partners, that they may remain safe, healthy, and encouraged in their work.