News wires buzzed recently with reports that a group of ten Americans from an Idaho-based Christian charity were arrested trying to transport 33 Haitian children into the Dominican Republic contrary to the rules of Haiti’s government. Although details are still emerging, the story thus far suggests a potent mingling of good intentions with ill-advised plans. Fellow Christians embarrassed by the incident should have the grace to withhold the abuse many observers are now piling on the group, but we can still take a strong lesson on the need to match zeal with knowledge in every effort to “care for orphans in their distress.” … read more here

Latest news update on concerns over human trafficking in Haiti

The State Department has announced that they are going to increase their efforts (along with UNICEF, the Haiti government, the Red Cross and other organizations) to protect vulnerable children from human trafficking during the post-earthquake state of emergency.  Prior to the earthquake in January of 2010, human trafficking had become a growing problem.  Due to the separation of many children from their families in the aftermath of the earthquake, they are more at risk for being trafficked and exploited.

“Haitian officials recognize that human trafficking is a serious problem in their country, Haitian law does not specifically prohibit trafficking in persons, which limits the Haitian government’s ability to punish traffickers and protect victims. This is made worse by Haiti’s political instability and lack of resources, the State Department report says.” ~ www.america.gov Jan 29, 2010

“UNICEF has confirmed that at least 15 Haitian children have vanished from areas hospitals in the days since the earthquake, and they suspect those children — and more — are falling victim to child trafficking rings.” ~ www.humantrafficking.change.org Jan 26, 2010

The Home Foundation has partnered with many other organizations in launching a campaign to help protect Haiti’s children from human trafficking.  “It is critical to engage some organizations in this work now, while the first disaster relief efforts are beginning…. partnering with nongovernmental organizations on the ground in the affected areas, and suggesting steps to reduce the opportunities for exploitation, such as the identification and registration of children in camps and the education of relief and development works, health providers, missionaries and others on the increased dangers of trafficking.”  ~ www.thehomefoundation.net

Please join us and take action!!

**Text SAFE to 85944 and donate $10 to help**

America.gov

Change.org

The Home Foundation in Haiti

Today January 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Please take a moment and join us in prayer:

• Pray for the women and children that are still enslaved in trafficking situations. That they would see freedom.

• Pray for those who have been rescued, that God bring peace and restoration to their lives.
• Pray for our domestic shelter partners:

Grace Haven – Ohio

Home of Hope Texas – Texas

Mission Hope Project – Michigan

Pray for the funds needed to do renovations.

Pray for the girls that are on the journey of restoration.

Pray for the staff, that they have the grace and patience to walk through the long healing process with these girls.

• Pray for our international shelter partners as they do work of restoration in their community

A21 Campaign – Greece

Begining of Life – Moldova

Bombay Teen Challenge – Mumbai, India

Freeset – Kolkata, India

Transitions Global – Mumbai, India

Each of these organizations is hoping to expand their capacity and ability to reach the women in their area. Pray for the ability to do so, and for the women who are in the process of restoration.

• Pray for the Home Foundation.

Pray that we are lead by God in this upcoming year as we begin new partnerships and expand the organization to continue the work of eradicating sex trafficking domestically and abroad.

Pray for the seeds that are being planted and patience to let them grow.

Pray for the strength of our staff as we begin to take on large projects this year.

Thank you for taking the time to pray. It is the most important thing you can do to help eradicate human trafficking.

Thank you for your patience as we are currently changing the format of our website. Please check back soon for updates.