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On our first night in Port-au-Prince with the Hearts For Haitian Humanity team, we stopped by a church where our friend Emilio is a deacon. H3 had donated some funds for a meal for the many children whom the church serves. In talking with one of the kids, Abdias learned that the young man was homeless, living in an abandoned house close to the church. The 16-year-old, named Sovenel Klemanso, was orphaned at the age of 9 when both his parents died from an illness. His wish was to go back to school. Abdias asked if he would take us to where he slept…
Sovenel leads the way to the house, abandoned by a Haitian who moved to the US and never looked back, where he and several other people live.
Sovenel’s corner of the house. Often when it rains the water comes down through the ceiling.
Sovenel’s corner of the house. Often when it rains the water comes down through the ceiling.
Three days later, we saw Sovenel outside the church. I asked to take a photo of him, and he said ok, and just pierced me with those eyes. He stayed outside the church because he said he didn’t have nice enough clothes to wear inside at the service.
On Tuesday, we visited Sovenel at the abandoned house where he has been squatting, to bring him clothes and supplies, and especially to meet Yves Toussaint, who agreed to meet him and possibly take him into his home.
Sovenel waits as Yves talks to a friend about bringing the boy into his home.
Sovenel looks at his new backpack inside his room at the house.
Abdias helps Sovenel try on piece after piece of clothing. Afterwards, he quietly asked Abdias if there was any way he could get a haircut.
Sovenel gets dressed in a new outfit before heading to the barbershop.
As of last Friday, Sovenel is living with Yves. He has security, though Yves is having a difficult time paying for enough food to feed a teenage boy. Sovenel still very much wants to go to school, which starts on September 1st. It will cost $200 to attend for the year.
You can donate directly to Sovenel and Yves by going to https://www.gofundme.com/sovenel
UPDATE: In October we were back in Haiti, and had the chance to check in on Sovenel. He was doing well – back in school and living with Emilio, Abdias’s cousin and our driver extraordinaire.
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