In the heart of Haiti, there is a little neighborhood just outside of the town of LeEstere called Calas. And on the outskirts of Calas is a little plot of land that belongs to a small church. The men and women of this local church are a beautiful, strong, compassionate, and driven bunch.  They are compelled by a vision to make their country better for the next generation, and to spread love to their neighbors. The leaders of this congregation have taken it upon themselves to care for the more than 100 vulnerable children and orphans in their neighborhood who’ve been affected by the country’s severe plight. Every day the kids of Calas gather together underneath the church’s “tent” (we would call it a pavilion) for school. Parishioners of the church educate the children in Mathematics, Creole, French, History, and Science. The church also provides a meal of rice, beans, and water for the children–often the only solid meal they eat all day. The church is doing their best to love these children and their families, but their resources are limited. 

The Songwriter’s Showcase is a benefit event aimed at raising funds to resource the church in Calas as they endeavor to express love to their community. We will open doors at 6:30 and live music will begin at 7:00. Three local artsits–Justin Cross, Codie Gibbons, and James Mullis–will share original songs and the stories behind them in 20-30 minute sets. Throughout the evening we will also be offering espresso beverages, pour overs, hot teas, Arnold Palmers, appetizers, and pastries for sale. All of the proceeds of this event will go directly toward benefitting the church in Calas.

One of their primary needs is a safe and stable environment for their school and gatherings. A key component for safety and stability is a wall that encompasses their plot of land. A perimeter wall is also prerequisite for digging a well, so that the church has a way to organize a safe, controlled method for providing clean water to the community. By helping the church in Calas build a wall, we are one step closer to providing a long-term clean water solution, not only for them, but for the entire community. Once the church has a wall and a well, they will become a life-giving hub to the neighborhood.

Our goal is to raise at least $12,000 to build a wall for the church in Calas. Funds raised in excess of $12K will go toward a reverse osmosis water well. An additional $11,000 will provide a well for people of Calas.