What is CHAI?
The Concerned Haitian Americans of Illinois (CHAI), a 501 (c)(3) charity is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting the poor in Haiti, with an emphasis on children. CHAI main areas of concentration are in education and medical care, both of which are essential to the healthy growth of body and mind. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and over the last 20 years the situation has worsened.
Political instability has discouraged private enterprise, resulting in an unemployment rate of over 50%; Deforestation of the land and erosion of the topsoil has decreased agricultural exploits; and Hurricanes have devastated the coffee trees, a major export. In Haiti, life can be a daily struggle. Clean water, food, medical and dental care, clothing and education are luxuries rarely attained by the majority of Haitians.  Tens of thousands of children perish each year from easily treatable conditions such as diarrhea, dehydration, and malnutrition.

What does our organization do?
The CHAI organization was established to provide primary education, nutrition, medical assistance and clothing to children and those in need in the rural areas in Northern Haiti.Since it inception in 1991, CHAI has shipped over 100 tons of medical supplies, clothing and food to Haiti; Built and opened a school in 1998; Built and opened a medical clinic in 2004; and Organized 10 medical missions since 1995. Each year, over 1800 people are seen during the medical mission; in addition, we provide school for 353 children, with a hot lunch everyday.

Who does it help?
CHAI's activities have focused on the community surrounding the city of Cap-Haitien, on the northern coast of Haiti. Residents from miles around assemble for the annual clinic in areas such as Citadelle, La Petit-Anse, Limonade, and Thibault.

How did it start?
In 1991, a small group of Chicago and Rockford residents were struggling with the dilemna of how to help their Haitian brethren abroad. Over time, meetings were organized by concerned Haitian and American professionals living in the Chicago area and ideas were tossed around about how to give a helping hand back to Haiti. Ultimately, words turned into action as donated and purchased medical supplies were collected in the states and distributed to communities surrounding the city of Cap-Haitien.

How does CHAI function?
CHAI conducts fundraising throughout the year in order to support the ongoing mission: to provide medical and educational support to the people of Haiti. Each year a group consisting of volunteer physicians, nurses, and others willing to help embark on a medical mission trip to deliver health services through a series of mobile clinics. Community residents are given a routine check-up by physicians, provided with donated medicine as well as personal hygiene products such as soap and toothpaste.
Funds are also used to cover educational expenses in the community. Over the past decade, two schools (in Milot and La Petit-Anse) have been built through the support of donations. Aside from infrastructure, CHAI has been able to cover the operational costs of principals and teacher salaries on an ongoing basis.

How can I help?
CHAI would not survive were it not for the support of those concerned with Haiti's future. Your tax-deductible donation will be used to expand CHAI's role in bettering health and education in northern Haiti. No matter the amount, every contribution helps. Health professionals and students may also choose to lend their expertise by completing an application for our annual mission trip.

How do I contact CHAI?
C.H.A.I. (Concerned Haitian Americans Of Illinois)
P.O. Box 1715
Homewood, IL 60430

Sponsorship levels possible (contact us)

To find out other ways to support and be involved in CHAI, please email us:info@chai-haiti.org