Hi everyone,

One area of Haiti I’m not sure we have talked much about is Cite Soleil — City of Sun, or Sun city, depending on your French. It was originally named Cite Simone after Haiti’s then First Lady Simone Duvalier.

What began as a housing development for workers at the nearby Haitian-American sugar cane complex, would soon grow into what is now considered one the western hemispheres largest and most dangerous slum, growing from what was intended, to the now estimated 250,000+ (some estimates say 400,00) that live there now.

It began in 1958 with the construction of 58 homes for workers at the sugar cane mills, which have long since disappeared. There are, however, areas you can still see some of the foundations and parts of the machinery that was used processing sugar cane. The neighborhood then grew into thousands of homes as the sugar cane business grew. The area goes from near the western edge of the airport to the sea. Anyone with a window seat flying into Port Au Prince has seen it. Its impossible NOT to see it.

According to USAID, half the houses are made of cement with tin roofs and the other half of scavenged materials. An estimated 75% are lacking even a latrine. At one time in the early 2000’s Haitian Police or the UN would not go very far into the area because they would be attacked. Most of the residents are children or young adults. The mortality rate is much higher from disease and violence. Most children have no idea what a normal childhood is. It’s worth noting that Cite Soleil covers less than 10 miles and it is estimated there are over 30,000 people per square mile.

It wasn’t always this way; at one point we held clinic there in a small school every Saturday, checking kids first then adults. We never had a problem; in fact we were always made to feel “at home,” and never once felt as if we were in danger.

What does Cite Soleil have to do with us now? Nothing, directly but indirectly, a lot. Many people who find they cannot survive out in the villages or countryside end up here or places like it. As bad as it can be in those areas, it is much worse in Cite Soleil. Each of those who work with us or for the ministry would tell you just how thankful they are for your involvement.

As always, thank you for all you do for our friends in Haiti and your prayers for Terry.

Steve and Terry