Cash Assistance Sparks New Beginnings

Milienne, a mother of five, knows hardship. The conflict in Haiti has displaced thousands, and her own home was not spared. When insecurity forced many to flee, 23 people sought refuge under her roof. They brought nothing—no clothes, food, or money. Her small business, her lifeline, began crumbling under the weight of trying to support many.

“It was a very hard time,” Milienne recalled. “I had already started the business, but with the insecurity and people moving from one place to another, I had 23 people at my house. They didn’t, nor could they, bring anything.”

But hope came in the form of a message on her phone—a notification that her family had been selected to receive cash assistance through World Vision’s program. Milienne’s household was one of 1,034 conflict-affected families in Cite Soleil, Kenscoff, and Croix-des-Bouquets to receive $110, distributed via mobile phones. This critical support allowed families like hers to purchase essential goods, including food, in a time of desperate need.

“I was skeptical at first,” Milienne admitted. “I wasn’t sure if it was true, but we followed up with the office. When we got the message on my phone and saw that we had the money, I thanked God.”

With the money in hand, Milienne knew exactly what to do. Instead of focusing on short-term needs, she invested in a brighter future—both for herself and her daughter, Joanna, a 19-year-old mother. Milienne gave Joanna her own food business, selling fried plantains, patties, fried fish, and pork in the afternoons after school. She also bought a solar panel to power her freezer, allowing her to sell cold drinks and recharge phones—a key service in her rural community.

“I always loved to do business. Since I was a little girl, I would play at being a merchant,” Milienne shared with a smile. “When I got the cash assistance, I bought flour, hot dogs, and oil and gave Joanna the business. It’s an opportunity for me to teach her how to be entrepreneurial, how to manage money and grow it.”

The impact of the second round of cash assistance, which targeted 220 survivors of gender-based violence, enabled Milienne to restock her supplies and expand even further. She beams with pride as she watches her daughter learn the skills that have kept their family afloat.

“I had no words to thank the people who helped us. It was an exaggerated moment,” Milienne said. “That money allowed us to rebuild when we had nothing left.”

Thanks to World Vision’s support, Milienne and Joanna’s business is thriving, and their family is moving forward, one small step at a time. Their story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of opportunity—even in the face of adversity. 

“We were able to push higher,” Milienne said. “And for that, I am forever grateful.”