Behind the Numbers Are Faces I Can’t Forget

I had the privilege of visiting Haiti in August 2026. I am still processing this today.

It’s easy to read a statistic about Haiti and move on.

But when you’ve been there—when you’ve sat with families, looked into the eyes of children, shared a meal, listened to their stories, and experienced their hospitality—the numbers become something very different.

They become faces.

They become names.

They become children who simply want the same things children everywhere want: to feel safe, to have enough to eat, to have clean water, to learn, to laugh, and to dream about their future.

Imagine a classroom where three out of every four children are facing uncertainty about something as basic as their next meal, access to clean water, or whether it is safe to make the journey home.

For many children in Haiti, this is not an imagined scenario. It is their reality.

An estimated 76% of Haiti’s youth are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Behind that staggering number are thousands upon thousands of individual stories—childhoods interrupted and families navigating circumstances most of us can hardly imagine.

My travels in Haiti have given me the privilege of witnessing both the tremendous need and the incredible resilience of the Haitian people. I’ve seen hardship, but I’ve also seen generosity, courage, faith, laughter, and hope.

That is why I continue to work.

I believe we are called not simply to see a need, but to see the person behind it.

And behind every statistic is a child whose life matters.

A child worth showing up for.

A child worth believing in.

A child worth helping create a future filled with hope.

A story of hope, how creating opportunities can literally save lives

(captured by Many Hands www.wearemanyhands.org)

More than a job. A path toward stability.

Vi Bella founder, Julie Hulstein, recently traveled to Haiti to spend time with the artisan team in Pignon. During her visit, she taught new jewelry techniques, introduced embroidery skills for our ornament production, and connected with some of our newest artisans.

One of the most meaningful parts of her trip was visiting 12 artisans in their homes and meeting the families behind the beautiful pieces we create. Each visit was a reminder of what steady, dignified work can make possible, from caring for children to building a home and creating greater stability for an entire family.

And the impact continues. Many Hands and Vi Bella will add six additional artisans in Pignon, beginning with paid training for applicants.

Every new opportunity reaches far beyond one person. It strengthens a family, a community, and a future.