Who we are
About Us
Timo, Off The Grid Sustainability
Founded in 2010
Located in an off the grid mountainous region, access to Timo is limited to dirt paths traveled by mule and foot.
Haiti Health Initiative (HHI) is a nonprofit organization focused on improving the overall health and wellbeing of rural Haitians, one village at a time. Working alongside Haitian communities and international partners, HHI has implemented sustainable solutions ranging from water treatment projects, agricultural practices, nutritional training, medical and dental care and training, to most recently education initiatives.
Understanding our purpose
Why Haiti...Why Health?
Haiti is the most impoverished nation in the Western Hemisphere. It is the 21st poorest nation in the world. Rural communities, comprising almost 70% of the nation, are considered chronically poor. In those communities, workers make roughly $2 a day.
Poverty is generally a driver of poor health. In 2010, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake toppled the Caribbean nation, killing an estimated 300,000 Haitians. Many government and non-profit organizations responded. Unfortunately, massive funding and many good intentions were lost to disorganization and corruption in the already impoverished nation.
It was then that Haiti Health Initiative (HHI) was founded. The U.S. 501(c)(3) Non-Government Organization formed with the intent of rescuing and raising the livelihoods of rural Haitians, so many of whom were being missed by the larger efforts. HHI's first goal was to uncover the root causes contributing to poor health outcomes in Haiti. The next goal was to use that knowledge to work alongside the Haitian community and implement projects that communities needed the most.
Those included healthcare, sustainable water projects, improving nutritional opportunities through agricultural expansion, and training local medical and dental providers to provide sustainable care. Haiti had the worst anemia rates in the western hemisphere, impacting prenatal, maternal, childhood and elderly lives across the nation.
Volunteer physicians, dentists, nurses and others from the US and Canada joined dental and medical teams that each went to Haiti twice per year. By then, a community center had been constructed and locals joined nearby clinicians in sustaining a growing number of those health programs. Improving education quickly joined the early goals, together with engendering desire and skills among local citizens to independently sustain these programs.
2010
Founded
501(c)(3)
Status
70%
Rural Population
300K
2010 Earthquake Deaths
Our Mission and Vision
Mission
Haiti Health Initiative is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of rural Haitian communities through education, healthcare services, nutrition, clean water initiatives, and sustainable development. By identifying the root causes of poor health outcomes, HHI works alongside local communities to create practical, culturally appropriate solutions that strengthen long-term health and self-sufficiency.
Vision
HHI envisions rural Haitian communities that are healthy, empowered, and self-reliant. Through collaboration with local and international partners, HHI strives to build sustainable healthcare, agricultural, educational, and water systems that communities can maintain and grow independently for future generations.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Service
Putting the needs of underserved rural communities first.
Respect and Trust
Treating individuals and communities with dignity, compassion, and partnership.
Collaboration and Creativity
Working with local and international partners to develop innovative, community-based solutions.
Integrity
Upholding the highest ethical standards in all work and relationships.
Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency
Providing education, tools, and support that empower communities to thrive independently.
Safety
Prioritizing the wellbeing of volunteers, partners, and community members.
Accountability and Transparency
Responsibly stewarding donations and resources while maintaining openness with supporters and partners.
Research
Understanding challenges and building upon research in order to make lasting impact.
Giving
Giving gifts that are a tool and have a purpose in creating sustainability.
Innovation
Collaboration with partners in Haiti who know what works best for their community. Creating systems that will remain in Haiti forever.
Supporting Timo, every step of the way
About Timo
Timo is a rural, off-the-grid mountainous region in Haiti where HHI concentrates its efforts. Accessible only by dirt paths traveled by mule and foot, the community faces significant challenges in healthcare, education, and food security. By focusing our resources in Timo, we build deep relationships and create sustainable change that radiates outward.
Our People
Working hand-in-hand with Haitian community leaders and families.