what makes us tick

A Letter from the Founders


Dear Friends,

In the weeks following Haiti’s devastating earthquake, EarthSpark received over one hundred donations for our relief efforts from donors like you. For a small organization, we took this as an overwhelming vote of confidence in our ability to make a difference in people’s lives. As of April 30, EarthSpark had purchased 3,000 solar lamps, all of which have been successfully distributed in camps throughout Port-au-Prince and other affected areas.

Shortly after our last email requesting your support on January 15th, we received reports that violence against women in the camps was on the rise. In advance of the release of their report, “Voices from the Shanties” in March, I met with INURED, a Haitian research institute, and representatives of several community organizations to better understand the situation in Port-au-Prince post-earthquake. After this meeting, EarthSpark chose to prioritize lamp distribution to women, who have been disproportionately affected by the earthquake. In this progress report, please take the time to read about the efforts of our distribution partners: KONPAY, AIDG, Partners in Health, the Fondwa Peasants Association, and the Haitian Ministry of Women’s Affairs, to learn how these lamps have improved safety and security for women in Port-au-Prince.

We are continuing our campaign to raise funds to purchase lamps for women in the camps, but over the past few weeks, we have shifted some of our effort back to EarthSpark’s original mission: developing sustainable access to clean and efficient energy technology in Haiti. Under the leadership of our newly hired President, Allison Archambault, our Clean Energy Store in Les Anglais will open its doors for the first time this week.

Thank you again for believing in us and for your commitment to improving the lives of Haiti’s citizens. Your continuing support makes our work possible. Please look out for upcoming emails about our new initiatives and partnerships that will have real and lasting impact in Haiti.

Sincerely,

Dan Schnitzer, Co-Founder and Executive Director
Justin Dargin, Co-Founder