HDN Foundation expands access to community-led microfinance to strengthen small businesses, food security, and local economic resilience in northwest Haiti.
Orem, Utah – January 7, 2026 The Haitian Development Network Foundation (HDNF) has begun supporting village savings and loans associations (VSLA) in the country’s northwest department to improve economic development in Haiti. The Haitian Development Network Foundation is providing this financial support during Haiti’s economic crisis to 10x the lending capacity of these community-based associations towards the small business owners in their groups.
This initiative is expected to directly benefit local entrepreneurs and families by expanding access to capital through trusted, community-led financial structures.
Last year, the Haitian Development Network Foundation began collaborating with a local businessman/church leader in charge of an established VSLA in preparation for an initial investment into the group for the launch of this sustainable development project in Haiti. The program will allow the Haitian Development Network Foundation to address both food security in Haiti and economic development in Haiti.
“I believe HDNF will make a big impact in our community,” said Julien, the village pastor. “With the Haitian Development Network’s support, local businesses will grow faster.”
Over the past two years, the Haitian Development Network has made sustainability in Haiti a priority. With projects centered around Haiti food production and food distribution to combat the Haiti food shortage, as well as a Haiti canal project to irrigate a local community garden sustaining 80 families. This is possible thanks to individuals who donate to Haiti or simply want to help Haiti by volunteering their time.
Volunteers are crucial for enabling the Haitian Development Network to succeed but, ultimately, it is donations to Haiti that fuel the organization.
“We are very excited to have begun partnering with local Haitian leaders for this program. This group of pastors and businessmen are experienced in the VSLA model and will expand our capacity to financially help Haitians in a safe way,” said Jacques Jonassaint, Executive Director for the Haitian Development Network.
The Haitian Development Network Foundation encourages individuals, organizations, and members of the Haitian diaspora to learn more about supporting sustainable, community-led development initiatives in Haiti.
About the Haitian Development Network
The Haitian Development Network Foundation, a Utah-based non-profit organization for Haiti founded in 2023, has a mission to improve the standard of living and well-being of Haitians everywhere through the production of knowledge and wealth. The Haitian Development Network has a vision for Haitians to be food secure and self-reliant by 2035.
For more information, please visit hdn.org.
Media Contact:
Jacques Jonassaint
Phone: 385-286-7132
Email: [email protected]
