This year in Haiti, between the end of August and the end of September, there was an abrupt loss of value on the US dollar. The dollars we send to Haiti for operating expenses such as medications and staff salaries can only cover 60% of what they did just the month before.
What Healing Art Missions (HAM) spent on operating costs for the month of August, $19,797 USD, would cost $27,677 USD just one month later.
This abrupt change was apparently the result of a political decision of the Haitian Central Bank to inject $180 million US dollars into the Haitian market all at once. However, there has been no adjustment in the cost of services or products leading to a significant devaluation of the US dollar. The result is that people from overseas who support relatives or friends in Haiti, and humanitarian organizations like Healing Art Missions (HAM), have to significantly increase the amount of money spent for the same products and services.
This financial crisis is simply the latest disaster to afflict Haiti. Regardless, this increase will have a dramatic effect on HAM’s ability to effectively support our connected communities in Haiti. We are keeping a close eye on this current crisis and will keep our supporters informed. But suffice it to say your financial support of HAM is more important than ever. As always, we thank you for your past support and your advocacy for the people of Haiti.