In the wake of the 2021 earthquake and ongoing economic challenges in Haiti, Hope for Haiti, with funding from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, launched the Digital Cash Assistance (DCA) project to address the critical food security needs of vulnerable households in the commune of Les Cayes. The project specifically targeted 334 women, including female-headed households, mothers enrolled in Hope for Haiti’s nutrition program, and other at-risk women in the area. The initiative was designed to provide immediate financial relief while preserving the dignity of participants, giving them the autonomy to purchase what they needed most.
From August to December 2024, the beneficiaries received six distributions of $75 each to help meet their basic needs. In total, $150,300 was disbursed directly to the participants. In addition to alleviating immediate hunger, the program also fostered economic empowerment by strengthening 30 participating vendors, providing them with business training in the use of digital currency and tools to improve inventory management and profit tracking.
This project not only improved food access for some of the most vulnerable families but also laid the groundwork for long-term resilience by building the financial capabilities of women and local businesses. The DCA program is a powerful example of how innovative financial solutions can play a pivotal role in helping families weather economic instability and emerge stronger.
Roselène Vendredi, owner of the Humility Boutique (pictured), is one of the Digital Cash Assistance (DCA) project vendors who participated in the business management training sessions organized as part of the project. She declared, “Thanks to the trainings, my ability to manage my business has improved.” She added, “I’m going to put into practice the tools and techniques I learned during the training sessions organized by Hope for Haiti to make my business more profitable and better serve the members of my community. The project has given me more self-confidence and I thank Hope for Haiti and Conrad N. Hilton Foundation for their contributions.”
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Click on the image to watch a video about this project.
