The need for transformation within Haitian communities is tremendous. In November 2004, a report entitled "A Common Vision of Sustainable Development", researched and written by a team of UN experts, presented a detailed report card on the desperate frailty of daily life in Haiti:

• 76 percent of Haitians live on less than US$2 per day
• Food supply covers only 55% of the population
• One out of every three deaths in Haiti is a child
• Juvenile deaths are double in rural vs. urban areas
• Childbirth is second leading cause of death for Haitian women
• 19% of pregnant women never have pre-natal care
• Western region: one doctor per 67,000 inhabitants
• HIV/AIDS estimated at 10.5% of population by 2015
• 60 to 80% of the population exposed to Malaria
• Tuberculosis is sixth largest cause of death in Haiti
• 21% of children ages 6-9 do not go to school at all
• 15% of teachers meet academic requirements to teach
• Erosion threatens 25% of Haiti's territory
• Rural areas have no systems to disinfect water sources

In addition, Haiti is a severely indebted low income country. More resources go for debt service than are spent on the country for health.

International aid has been promised, but has not been realized.

Communities of people coming together for the common good, in the Spirit of Christ's unselfish love for one another-neighbors, churches, schools, ministries, grass roots organizations-are the foundation of tangible hope for the future.