Emergency Project in Cerca

Article Title: Emergency Response Update

Church of Cerca, Thomonde

Date: September 21, 2025

Document: Progress Report.

Introduction:

In the face of urgent needs in Cerca, Thomonde/Haiti, hope is beginning to take root. Through the combined generosity of SHM and its partners, especially the Bondurant Federated Church of Iowa, the first phase of emergency response has begun, providing food for 30 displaced families, totalizing 80 people and launching vital sanitation efforts. This report shares the progress made so far and the impact your support is already having on vulnerable communities.

Overview:

In response to the urgent needs of displaced families at the Church of Cerca, Thomonde, we are pleased to report that the first activities of the emergency support project have been successfully implemented and continue to be implemented. Just this past 2 weeks, we carried out the first food distribution, serving 30 families who were forced to flee their homes in Mirebalais. Each family received a food kit containing rice, olive oil, sardines, macaroni, bananas, and salt. The smiles and relief captured in our photos and videos tell the story better than words — your giving made this possible!

Alongside food aid, we’ve begun work on a latrine construction project to restore dignity and protect health for displaced families taking refuge at the Church of Cerca. The septic hole has been dug, and the wall to receive waste is completed. The next step is to pour the concrete top of the septic tank before finishing the latrine. This vital effort will prevent disease and safeguard the community’s well-being.

Accomplishments to Date

• Food Distribution:

  • Served 30 kits to 30 displaced families (all 80 people in the proposal included: adults and children).

  • Each kit included: 1 bag of rice, 1 gallon of olive oil, sardines, 1 bag of macaroni, bananas, and salt.

  • Outcome: Immediate relief and improved food security for affected households.

• Sanitation / Latrine Construction:

  • Septic hole dug and waste wall constructed.

  • Next step: pouring the concrete top for the septic tank and then building and installing the necessary accessories on the latrines.

  • Expected outcome: Safe and hygienic sanitation facility to prevent disease and improve living conditions.

Gratitude & Recognition

We extend our deepest thanks to the board of Samaritan’s Heart Ministries, Bondurant Federated Church, and all partners who made this possible. Your sacrificial giving has gone far beyond expectations, bringing both immediate relief and long-term hope to families in crisis. On behalf of the church leaders in Haiti and every family served, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Next Steps

• Complete latrine construction (pour concrete top, install structure).

• Continue food, clothing, and hygiene kit distributions.

• Provide emotional and spiritual support to displaced families.

Conclusion

The first steps of this emergency response in Thomonde have already brought both relief and renewed hope to displaced families. Through food distribution and progress in sanitation efforts, immediate needs are being met while long-term health and dignity are safeguarded. None of this would be possible without the generosity and faithfulness of our partners. Together, we are not only responding to today’s crisis but also planting seeds of hope that will endure for years to come.

Reported by: Dr. Josue Octeus

Executive Director Samaritan’s Heart Ministries.