In the days immediately following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, J/P HRO was founded to assist in the country’s recovery. This disaster killed 300,000 people in 30 seconds and left two million people homeless. Our organization, which is now over 95% Haitian, has created real change by responding quickly to the needs on the ground. Every year, however, hundreds of thousands still face famine and homelessness from droughts and hurricanes caused by a complex history of deforestation and poverty.

As we look to the future, J/P HRO will work to break the cycle of generational poverty and deforestation, by supporting those that are the most vulnerable, yet the least responsible for climate change. To that end, our organization is working with the governments of Haiti, France, the World Bank and others. We are poised to create real change in agriculture, forest cover, and overall environmental resilience for Haiti, while at the same time continuing our original mandate.

With time, Haiti will become more integral to the global economy. This is change that you will be able to see, touch, taste, and wear in markets and retailers across the world. Haiti is not looking for a hand-out; it is looking for partners and collaborators that can work hand-in-hand to realize a greener, more sustainable country. This great country will not be defined by an earthquake, hurricane, or poverty. Instead, Haiti’s difficult history will be overcome by the will of its people and with the attention and support of a compassionate world. 

Haiti is taking root.

Sean Penn

Founder and Chairman of the Board

J/P Haitian Relief Organization 

LETTER FROM SEAN PENN