Haiti unrest takes toll on humanitarian groups

The recent political unrest in Haiti is taking a toll on humanitarian groups, including one based in Saratoga County.

Since 2009, Cindy Schmehl has made improving the quality of life in two of the poorest countries in the world her life’s work.

She founded To Love a Child, a not-for-profit with a focus on children and their families.

Every year, she takes at least one trip to Zimbabwe and one or two to Haiti.

“Right now, we are supporting the teachers and education continues as normal because we pay teachers’ salaries. We do clean water projects.” she explained.

However, it’s been two years since To Love a Child has been on the ground in either country.

First, a global pandemic halted worldwide travel. A trip to Zimbabwe is planned for 2022.

As political unrest escalates in Haiti, a return date there is not in sight.

Schmehl says while the little town near the Dominican border is very peaceful, they can’t get there because they have to go through Port au Prince, the center of the violence.

Schmehl says for now, some projects are on hold. Others are being handled by a project manager in Haiti.

However, she did have some more positive news to share.

Learn what it is by watching the video of Jacquie Slater’s story.