User:Respire Haiti

Respire Haiti (Respire is a Haitian Creole word which means to breathe and is pronounced Res-per-ray) is a humanitarian charity based on the principles of sustainability and empowerment. They educate, empower and encourage the people of Gressier, Haiti so that they are not only a self-sustaining community, but that they are also relient upon the community and not outside resources for their success.

Beginnings
Respire Haiti was founded by 24 year old Megan Boudreaux in October of 2010. After visiting Haiti in the summer of 2010 she then visited Gressier. With so many children not in school and so many families struggling to provide for their kids, she decided to move to Gressier permanently in December of 2010 and begin helping the children and people of Gressier. Respire Haiti states their purpose is to empower, educate, and encourage orphans and children in Haiti.

Location
Respire Haiti is located in Gressier which is about 20 miles west of Port Au Prince. Gressier is a very peaceful, mountainous community. Many of the residents lost their homes with the January 12 earthquakeand many more individuals have moved from surrounding cities to Gressier to try and start over. Most families live in tents (tarps etc.) on the mountain sides.

Current Projects
Respire Haiti is currently building a school, library, computer lab, and medical clinic atop Bellvue Mountain in Gressier.

Funding and Charitable Status
Respire Haiti is run completely on donations from sponsors and supporters. Respire Haiti is a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

External Sources
Official Respire Website

Founder, Megan Boudreaux's blog.