The House of Hope
Standing for Children and Families in Times of Crisis
The Ecumenical Foundation for Peace and Justice (FOPJ) has been a beacon of faith and action in Haiti since its founding in 1992. Guided by the principle that there is no separation between the good news of evangelism and the struggle for human rights, FOPJ’s mission has always been to form both good Christians and honest citizens. “For us, there is no difference between the good news of evangelism and the struggle for human rights—because respect for humanity is the path to God.”
Since 1998, FOPJ has dedicated itself to defending human rights and children’s rights through three core programs: House of Hope, a primary school for vulnerable children living in domestic servitude or marginalized communities; the Oscar Romero Professional Center, which equips young people living in violent environments with practical skills; and the Sharing and Solidarity Program, which supports elderly people abandoned by their families. Through these initiatives, the Foundation has sought to empower children, youth, and adults to take their lives into their own hands while living with dignity and faith. “Through education, vocational training, and support, we empower families and children to take their lives into their own hands.”
Yet the past few years have tested the Foundation in unprecedented ways. In August 2023 and again in February 2025, bandits attacked the community of Kafou-Féy, looting and burning the Foundation’s physical space. These violent incursions forced FOPJ to pivot its work, focusing now on families in shelters and ensuring children can continue their education despite the instability around them. “Even when our buildings are destroyed and bandits invade, we will not let physical space stop us from accompanying families and protecting children.”
The urgency of FOPJ’s mission is stark. Haiti is in crisis: more than 1.5 million children missed school during 2023–2024, 1.2 million children in Port-au-Prince live under threat of violence, and child recruitment by armed gangs has surged 70 percent. Nearly 680,000 children have no home, while sexual violence against girls has skyrocketed, and 140,000 children face life-threatening hunger. In this context, the Foundation’s work is not just important—it is life-saving. “Children lose their innocence too early in this crisis; our mission is to ensure they can still dream, learn, and grow in dignity and faith.”
FOPJ’s response has been comprehensive. Children from House of Hope continue to attend school wherever possible, medical support is provided to vulnerable youth, and families receive small business training and food assistance. The Foundation works in close partnership with parents and community leaders to maintain continuity of care, even when physical spaces are inaccessible. This collaborative approach ensures that children’s safety, health, and education remain a priority. “Changing the community’s view of vulnerable children was not easy, but now children are seen as true children of God, deserving of care and education.”
The Foundation’s longstanding partnership with Global Ministries has been instrumental in expanding its impact. For more than 15 years, this partnership has helped transform the lives of families and children through education, vocational training, and humanitarian support. After the 2010 earthquake, Global Ministries helped rebuild FOPJ’s facilities, and in 2018, it gifted a ten-classroom building that allowed the Foundation to train 150 young people each year in seven trades—a dramatic expansion from the three trades previously offered.
Although recent bandit attacks have disrupted these programs, the collaboration continues to allow FOPJ to reach families and children wherever they are. “Thanks to our partnership with Global Ministries, we have been able to transform the lives of countless children, young people, and families living in difficult situations.”
Over its 33 years of service, FOPJ has changed lives in countless ways. Children who could not attend school have learned to read, completed their studies, and pursued higher education. Marginalized families have regained confidence through small businesses. Young people living in violence have found new paths through vocational training. Community members have become more aware of human rights and the rights of children, shifting societal attitudes and fostering inclusion. “House of Hope is a bridge—connecting those who want to help with children and families who have lost hope.”
Even amid crisis, the Foundation remains unwavering. Its focus on the physical, mental, spiritual, and intellectual well-being of children has only grown stronger. Despite destroyed buildings and the presence of armed gangs, FOPJ continues to protect children, ensure they have access to education and health services, and safeguard them from violence. “Even amid violence, instability, and hunger, our focus remains on the protection, health, and education of children.”
The Foundation’s message to supporters—past, present, and future—is clear: FOPJ will not waver in its mission to defend the most vulnerable. House of Hope continues to serve those in distress, acting as a bridge between those willing to help and families and children in need. In every action, FOPJ embodies the faithfulness of the living God, standing firm as a source of hope and life even in the most challenging circumstances. “The life God has given must be respected in any circumstance—this is why our work continues wherever families and children are.”
Through faith, resilience, and steadfast collaboration, the Ecumenical Foundation for Peace and Justice continues to transform despair into opportunity, ensuring that the rights, dignity, and dreams of Haiti’s children are never forgotten. “For 33 years, FOPJ has stood with children, youth, and families, and we will continue to stand, even in times of crisis.”