The Haiti Orthodox Family Relief (HOFR) program enables Orthodox parishes from around the world to provide direct financial support to Haitian Orthodox families. In cooperation with the Fund for Assistance of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR), the program provides direct cash support to Orthodox Readers and families.
Direct financial support is recognized as one of the most effective forms of assistance and is widely recommended by international donors and NGO relief agencies.
General expenses of the HOFR program are paid by the ROCOR Mission in Haiti and the Fund for Assistance. This means the HOFR program delivers 100% of the money raised by Parishes and individuals directly and securely to recipients. Every dollar of Parish support raised through HOFR translates into a dollar of live-saving food, water, shelter or medical care placed directly into the hands of a Haitian Orthodox family.
Those in most dire need are identified by the program’s two priests in Haiti; Fr. Jean Dumais and Fr. Gregoire Legoute, who serve seven Orthodox parishes throughout the country. First priority is given to families without shelter, and to those with infants and small children. Information on each recipient is gathered by the Mission in Haiti and a basic profile is provided to HOFR.
Each Parish or sponsor will receive complete contact details for their recipient Reader or family and direct contact is strongly encouraged. The HOFR program will facilitate contact in any way possible, recognizing the limitations of the current conditions. A general program update is prepared monthly and emailed to each donor.
A basic commitment of $100 per month for one year is sought for each sponsored family. For individuals or parishes that are able, a basic commitment of $200 per month for one year will support an Orthodox Reader. These pre-seminarian Readers are at the very core of the Orthodox Faith in Haiti and their tireless service to the Church throughout the county is a vital source of its strength and growth.
All donations to the HOFR program are fully tax deductible and administered by the Fund For Assistance (FFA), a U.S. registered non-profit organization (www.fundforassistance.org). To ensure transparency and security, all funding is handled through electronic bank transfers. Donor accounts are automatically debited by the FFA and one bulk wire transfer is made to the Mission’s bank in Haiti each month. In Haiti individual bank accounts are established for recipients, which are automatically credited monthly from the proceeds of the FFA’s wire. Orthodox Priests monitor all participants to ensure that program assistance objectives are being met.
To participate immediately please complete the enclosed Participant Form and Commitment Letter. For additional information on Haiti Orthodox Family Relief please call (305) 448-7087 or write project@haitiorthodoxfamilyrelief.com.
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