'We are either bringing critical aid to Deaf people, or we are burying their bodies.’

Three years ago, our campaign aimed at ending violence against Deaf people in Haiti was followed with a tumultuous period; the assassination of the Haitian President alongside the vicious attack and burning down of a Deaf camp housing many DHHDBDD families. Since then, Haiti has seen a collapsed government, gang control, aid organization closures, kidnappings, cholera outbreaks, and ongoing floods further devastating and isolating the DHH Community. Despite immense setbacks and valid reasons to cease our operations, we persevered, strengthened our team, and forged new partnerships. Our work in Haiti has become significantly more challenging yet increasingly vital.

Unlike responding to weather-related disasters, providing aid in Haiti lacks safe corridors or secure transportation routes for deaf victims to hospitals. Gangs will constantly stop our team en route, and invasions can restrict when we deliver aid. This has led to painful suffering and even death, when our team is blocked from transporting DHH victims to the hospital. Deaf victims often endure hours-long motorbike journeys through rough terrain. Despite an unchangeable environment, our operation in Haiti is a lifeline for DHHDBDD people, saving them and their children from excruciating and life-threatening circumstances. Without OTG’s presence there, critical aid for DHH people would not exist.

Over the past year, our NGO has been tirelessly providing transportation for deaf and disabled individuals to hospitals, advocating for their care, covering medical expenses (including surgeries and even burial costs). Additionally, we have supplied food relief, baby formula, mattresses, bedding, tarps, hygiene supplies, reusable period pads, and more. Due to the ongoing situation, we have been asking for monthly donations to meet the continuous needs.

#offthegridHAITI