Loving hands United is working behind the scene with the people in Baraguana Dominican Republic by visiting them from time to time to ensure they are doing ok and to assess their needs during the pandemic.  Back in August the organization started a fund raising in Florida, we were able to collect funds which allowed us to sustain this people during the Pandemic.  Our last food and clothes distribution took place in August. During that time we noticed there was a great need for mask. We Did our due diligence and were able to obtain 5000 face masks which has already been shipped to Dominican Republic.

The living conditions in the batayes are extremely precarious and some of the situations they face are inhuman and degrading. In addition to the situations described above, this situation has led to a constant uncertainty that has had an impact on the physical and psychological integrity of the individuals concerned. To which must be added the constant fear of these people to be arrested and expelled to their country by not having identity papers. One of the problem they face is the lack of job options, the testimonies indicate that it is virtually impossible to get work and when they do, they get paid less than the minimum wages. Loving Hands United will be working with the elected officials to help them obtain their legal status in order to send their children to school, to be able to work and to live with dignity. 

As far as the Aquaponic Farm project, we are working with the government in Dominican Republic to obtain parcel of lands in order to start the  aquaponic farm.  We also working with an attorney in Dominican Republic to obtain customs exemptions in order to make it easier for the organization to transport goods, clothing, and medications to the people in Baraguana who are in such great needs. Besides, Loving Hand United will be working diligently with government officials in Dominican Republic to help our Haitian compatriots obtain immigration status.  Our next mission trip to the Batayes in Baraguana, Dominican Republic will be in December. Our donors have already provided us with boxes of food, clothing, toys, and medications.