International Twinning

By Valeria Vlasich, International Twinning Coordinator

The needs of neighbors in California often involve rent, utilities and food assistance. But nothing prepared two Vincentians for what they found when they traveled to Ecuador in July. More than 30 percent of Ecuador’s population, after all, lives in extreme poverty.

Mike Hanika and Laurie O’Keefe of the St. Maximilian Kolbe Conference in Westlake Village, California, visited Rumiloma, a resource-limited community on the outskirts of Quito, Ecuador, to visit their new twinning partner: the Señor de la Misericordia Conference.

This journey was part of the SVdP International Twinning Program, which connects U.S. Conferences with Vincentians in countries where poverty is more severe and resources are scarce. What began as a financial partnership quickly became something much deeper: a shared mission of faith, compassion, and fraternity.

In Rumiloma, Vincentians and priests work together weekly to bring food, medicine, and spiritual care to over 8,000 people across eight parishes. Government clinics are often without supplies, so many families rely entirely on their faith communities for basic care.

The Westlake Village Conference began the Twinning Program relationship by providing ongoing financial support. These funds help provide essentials like food, clothing, and medicine. But during their visit, Mike and Laurie discovered that the most powerful gift was not financial, it was human presence and fraternal encounter.

“The visit of Mike and Laurie was unforgettable,” said Ximena Suntaxi, president of Señor de la Misericordia. “We received them with much love at our parish. They are wonderful and joyful people. Although Mike did not speak Spanish, Laurie helped us communicate perfectly. Their visit lifted our spirits.”

During their stay, Mike and Laurie visited two chapels in the higher areas of the community: San Antonio de Miranda and San Pedro de Balvina. Despite limited material conditions, they found communities filled with joy, faith, and hospitality. They were welcomed with music, gifts, hugs, and prayers and had the opportunity to share experiences with local Vincentians and learn more about their work firsthand.

The National Council of Ecuador also expressed deep gratitude for the Twinning Program:
“From our experience, we can say with profound gratitude that the Twinning Program has been a blessing. It has strengthened our charitable activities and reminded us we are not alone in this mission. This bond is not just economic or logistical, but a true gesture of fraternal love that brings the spirit of St. Vincent alive in our works.”

This visit demonstrated that the universal call to serve with love and dignity transcends languages, borders, and cultures. The Twinning Program is more than financial aid, it is a bridge of solidarity and hope connecting Vincentians across countries in a common mission to serve the poor.

By Michael J. Nizankiewicz, Chair, U.S. Twinning Commission

The ongoing conflict in Lebanon is often overlooked by other wars in the region, but not by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Thanks to a $100,000 International Twinning grant by the SVdP National Council of the United States last year, approximately 1,200 families in urgent need were helped with humanitarian aid.

With these funds, the Council of Lebanon delivered immediate  assistance to families, including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Support included:

• Food Parcels: Supplying essential nutrition for two months.
• Hygiene Kits: Providing sanitary supplies to protect health and prevent disease.
• Mattresses: Ensuring safe and comfortable sleeping arrangements.
• Logistics and Volunteer Mobilization: Engaging local Vincentians to distribute aid safely and efficiently to the most vulnerable communities.

The payments were made in four installments, and the Council of Lebanon has consistently provided detailed reports confirming receipt of the funds and outlining how they were used to serve their communities.

Despite challenges such as overwhelming demand, supply chain delays, and security concerns, the Council of Lebanon worked diligently to stretch every dollar and maximize impact.

We are deeply grateful for their commitment, transparency, and tireless service to those most vulnerable. Below are some of the photos they shared, offering a glimpse into the lives touched by your generosity.

This project is a testament to the power of international solidarity and the living spirit of Twinning. Thanks to your generosity, families in Lebanon have received life-sustaining aid and renewed hope in the midst of conflict.

By Pam Matambanadzo,
International Territorial Vice President – America 1

We have been receiving calls seeking some guidance on the situation in Haiti. Vincentians want to know if they can send funds to help. It is difficult to answer this without first giving some background to fully understand the magnitude of the reality on the ground.

Earthquakes and Hurricanes

Haiti has a tragic history of devastating earthquakes and hurricanes. The 2010 earthquake, in particular, left thousands dead, injured, and displaced. The country’s infrastructure was severely damaged, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.

Hurricanes, such as Hurricane Matthew in 2016, have repeatedly battered Haiti, causing loss of life, destruction of homes, and disruptions to essential services.

Cholera Epidemic

In 2010, shortly after the earthquake, Haiti faced a cholera outbreak. The disease spread rapidly due to inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water. Thousands lost their lives, and the healthcare system struggled to cope.

COVID-19 Pandemic

Like the rest of the world, Haiti grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic. The fragile healthcare infrastructure faced immense challenges in testing, treatment, and containment.

The pandemic exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, impacting livelihoods, education, and overall well-being.

Gang Violence: The Current Crisis

While natural disasters and epidemics have caused immense suffering, the gang-related issues in Haiti pose a unique and immediate threat.

Gangs control neighborhoods, extort businesses, and perpetrate violence. They hinder humanitarian aid distribution, making it difficult for organizations like SVdP USA to reach those in need. Violent gangs roam the streets, perpetuating fear and violence. They control local resources, including food distribution points. Civilians face danger while trying to secure basic necessities.

Unlike natural disasters, which eventually subside, gang violence persists, creating an ongoing cycle of fear, instability, and suffering. Residents fear for their lives, so they are forced to stay at home. Schools and businesses are closing.

Absence of Government

Haiti’s political instability has led to an ineffective government. The absence of governance has resulted in chaos, impacting essential services. Food distribution, security, and public safety are compromised. And this in turn led the US Embassy in Haiti to take precautionary measures, urging citizens to leave the island due to safety concerns. This closure disrupts communication channels and assistance for organizations like ours.

Haiti’s banking system faces uncertainty. SVdP must navigate this challenging financial landscape to manage funds transparently and ensure donations reach those in need. We need to reassure donors that we are fully considering the volatile situation. There is the uncomfortable reality that when we send aid to Haiti, it is unclear whether the funds are reaching those in need or whether have gangs infiltrated there (as they have done everything else).

We are asking for not only your patience as we try to find ways to work for the poor through these challenging times — but more importantly your prayers. We have had various twinning opportunities that have afforded us the ability to help where we can through all those natural disasters and the pandemic. Through these opportunities we have faced many challenges, but none has been more heartbreaking than watching from afar as we are having to do now. It is not watching in vain. Our team at the National Council office are working diligently to find solutions within extremely volatile conditions.

In summary, while Haiti has endured significant historical suffering due to natural calamities and health crises, the current gang-related situation presents a more dangerous and persistent challenge. Addressing gang violence is crucial for restoring safety, stability, and hope in this resilient nation.

Notes from Our Friends in Haiti

“Thank you for always being there on our side and for accompanying and encouraging us; it does us good. Yes, the situation in Haiti is very tense like never before… this period is really distressing for the poor who already have a precarious life and for us who must give them courage in proximity. In Tabarre – Fleuriot, the school has been closed for two weeks, and in Gonaïves, it has been closed since January 2024. The closure of daily activities and street movement is paralyzed due to insecurity and violence. It’s also sad because there is looting of big stores, and we can hardly find essential products. People who live day by day really face great difficulty, increasing misery and life’s movements. This is the picture I can give today of Haiti. For us believers who believe in the presence of God rich in grace and kindness, we hope that this situation will change. God, our strength, and grace, help us overcome this time of injustice with the peace of Christ our Savior, whom we will celebrate on Easter day. Thank you for your constant presence and support. Have a blessed Holy Week. Fraternally, Sr. Matilde fdlc”

– Sister Mathilde, who oversees two schools in Haiti, and her translated message was as follows

“Good morning! I apologize for the fact that it is you who is asking me about the chaotic situation that Haiti has been going through for years and is now worsening. It is very concerning now, and that’s why I didn’t have time to inform you about this situation of poverty and insecurity. What is the problem?

After the fall of the Duvaliers, the victims of the regime came with the uprooting of the Tonton Makout (supporters of the Duvalier regime), which consisted of freeing Haiti from this group. Since then, there has always been conflict between the people and the leaders. It is difficult for a president and his government to finish their term; there is always a coup or the president is forced to resign until in July 2021 President Jovenel was assassinated. It is total instability. All the country’s institutions are weakened. Criminal gangs are growing like rain. They evict the people, kidnap, and kill in the face of the government and the police. The people are left alone with no one to watch over them or defend them. The country has been like this for 2 years and 8 months, and now the criminal gangs are federating and are looking for those who will arm them and provide them with ammunition to oppress the people. This movement totally paralyzes all activities in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti.

All schools are closed. Those that can offer virtual classes are functioning, and those that cannot are waiting for everything to calm down to continue. Adelia Felix School is one of those waiting without knowing when, but we are in communication with our students. Dialoguing with them, it is evident that they have many problems because they cannot go to school, but a more serious problem arises which is “not being able to eat,” and later there will be more hunger in the country. That’s why I ask the donors of Adelia Felix School that if there are no possibilities to help our students with food. So, after this storm, we can relocate them for the reopening of classes.

 Today, it is true that there are economic problems everywhere, but in Port-au-Prince, it is worse because the people do not have the right to go out, meaning they are prisoners in their homes. Therefore, food assistance would greatly benefit our students and their parents. The school relies on you! God will reward you!”

– Raphael Verlux