Why We Exist
About
We help those around the world continue to take their best step upward, through better health, quality education, solid employment, and the power of the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Vision Into Action
Upstairs Foundation was created to help individuals and communities take their next best step upward. We began our work in Haiti, and continue to look for ways to broaden our reach with those locally and globally.
The work we do in Haiti is aimed at providing a holistic approach to solving some big challenges. We make sure our partners are empowered to create opportunities for individuals and communities.
For example, Lundi School sits on the side of a mountain overlooking the Caribbean Ocean. The school is just outside Jeremie, Haiti in the southwestern peninsula. The school and associated transition home provide care for over 150 boys and girls.
Why Haiti?
Haiti is often called the poorest country in the western hemisphere with 80% of the population living below the poverty line. Haiti continues to suffer economic set backs and national disasters with a 7.0 earthquakes in 2010 & 2021, a hurricane in 2016 and a tropical storm in 2021.
Two-thirds of the population do not have regular jobs and live off less than $2 per day. The illiteracy rate is close to 80%. Less than half of the population has access to drinking water and only 28% of the population has access to sanitation facilities.
How It Began
In 2009, Long Hollow Church began to be broken for the plight of orphans through a series of sermons. This lead to an intense time of prayer and giving for those suffering in our communities and around the world. The Crazy Love Campaign was launched in August 2009 that included a plan to rescue orphans, aid adoptions and support key partnerships. As part of this campaign, land was purchased in Jeremie, Haiti for the establishment of an orphan village, including a church, orphan homes, a school, a clinic and a guest house. While the church, school and guesthouse were being built, a 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti killing hundred of thousands future crippling an already desperate country. The initial 70 children were moved into the children's village in June 2010 following the earthquake.
Long Hollow began sending teams to minister to the children and surrounding community. Michael & Kim Powers, Dale & Tami Heim and Derek Hazelet were some of the very first trip members. God used these trips to break their hearts for these children and the country of Haiti.
Michael and Dale serve on the board of El Shaddai Ministries International (ESMI), Upstairs Foundation's ministry partner in Haiti. This allows them to work closely with Dony St. Germain to ensure the funds are used most efectively for the care of the children as well as special projects. ESMI serves as our host in country providing transportation, translation, meals and housing.
