What TFWA Care did for... Streethearts Haiti

Streethearts Haiti was founded with the mission of providing a safe haven for the hundreds of street children in Cap-Haitien, Haiti. It began as a side project, to befriend and build up the children’s sense of self. First, there were small incentive programs, based around athletics and rewards for participation. Founder Linsey Jorgenson (based in Haiti), used this as a way to begin tracking the kids, to check their safety and whereabouts.

As her bond with her street family grew, so did the number of kids she was looking after. All those connections began to reveal a situation that was just too big to aid part-time, and too complicated to not warrant her full attention.

The passion and need turned into the Streethearts organization, set up in October 2012. A programme was built that focuses on self-worth and empowerment through athletics, hygiene, nutrition, education, social work and community outreach.

In February 2013 Streethearts opened its first safe house. The building is outfitted with beds, showers and round-the-clock staff. It serves as a secure place for the children to go and helps keep them out of danger. There are sports, art, and music programmes to help keep the kids involved in positive and healthy activities. The house also includes 24-hour access to showers, and basic hygiene supplies. Linsey, along with a dedicated staff, work around the clock to make the safe house a haven for the kids.

Life on the streets is treacherous for children who find themselves without a place to call home. Streethearts currently provides support for over eighty children, with the number increasing each day. For the first time, TFWA Care partnered up with Streethearts to provide schooling and to make significant improvements to its safe house in 2016.

Project in 2020

No child should live on the streets.  Every child deserves a normal childhood.  Streethearts Haiti believes in a world where children and young adults do not need to depend upon the streets in order to survive.  This year, TFWA Care will continue its partnership and provide financial aid to Streethearts Haiti's safe houses and education programme.

 

TFWA Care's financial contribution this year has enabled Streethearts to provide:

 

  • Housing for 107 homeless children
  • Quality education for 115 children and young adults
  • Special courses and training in arts, sports, essential life skills and community service 
  • Aid the launch of small businesses to ensure the older Streethearts kids can earn a livelihood while continuing their education 

 

 

 

Project in 2019

An estimate of 80 kids were rescued from the streets of Cap Haitien and placed in Streethearts safe houses where they received proper schooling, rehabilitation and care. The donation enabled the centre to provide schooling for a greater number of children throughout the year.   Hand in hand, we were able to double the capacity and provide:


  • Full-time care and a safe house for street kids in Cap Haitian
  • Vocational courses and training in tourism to help them how to be self-reliant.

 

Last year's aid provided education and safe haven to homeless kids overlooked and forgotten by society.  Step by step, with our small token, we were able to provide street kids a chance for a happier childhood and dignified life.