Operation USA began working with the Port-au-Prince based NGO L’Athletique d’Haiti following the hurricanes that hit the Caribbean in the fall of 2008. The series of storms paired with a 50% rise in food costs exacerbated the already dire circumstance, leaving many impoverished Haitians without access to basic food and nutrition. Malnutrition was at crisis level for those most vulnerable, especially children.

L’Athletique d’Haiti (LADH) is an after-school sports program that serves children from ages 6 to 17 in Cité Soleil and Bel Air, the poorest slums in Port-au-Prince. In a country where soccer is a national obsession, the lack of sports programs deprives young people of the opportunity to acquire self esteem, discipline and dedication—the skills developed through playing sports. The program additionally offers a nutritious daily meal and transportation to its participants.

To address the increased demand created by the hurricanes, Operation USA contributed to the funding of a new cafeteria for the facility. Additionally, OpUSA provided LADH with a grant to support their food program which serves children from some of the most destitute areas of Port-au-Prince and surrounding provinces.

Now, in the wake of the January 2010 earthquake, the needs have grown.

The facilities at L’Athletique d’Haiti sustained some damage in the earthquake–however, a large number of the children and families the program supported have suffered tremendously. Many of those who survived lost their homes.

The two soccer fields at LADH are currently housing as many as 500 families, sheltered in self-made or donated tents. They are being provided food and water, alongside medical care. Under the guidance of LADH’s inspiring founder Boby Duval, massive food distributions have been undertaken for those living on site.

Operation USA is currently working with LADH to address both current and long-term needs. From providing material aid, shelter and water purification systems, to rebuilding infrastructure and funding for programs, OpUSA remains committed to this program.