Poverty is about much more than a lack of material things. Poverty has deep roots within broken economic systems and broken relationships. Thus, providing material things to our friends and partners is not always the best solution for lasting community development.

That being said, in specific contexts providing support directly through an item can be helpful and support ongoing development. For example, last summer, Principal Chango was having difficulty making his commute to the Cascade Pichon Community School. We talked with some of our supporters about Chango's dilemma, and we were able to help Chango purchase a motorcycle suited for the bumpy roads of Southeast Haiti.

Helping Chango purchase a motorcycle doesn't immediately change poverty in Cascade Pichon. But with the help of this motorcycle, he can continue to educate students in Cascade Pichon so that they are better equipped for their future. It's a process, not a product!