On behalf of UUC’s congregation, our Social Justice Steering Committee is honored to give $4,400 to Fonkoze, a nonprofit alternative bank for the poor in Haiti.  Fonkoze offers savings accounts, small loans and insurance policies, financial literacy education, and wire transfer services from abroad.

For several years, UUC’s Economic Justice Committee sold fair trade gifts during the holidays. The proceeds sponsored three $5,000 microlending banks in Guatemala and Haiti.  Last year, when EJG determined its economic justice mission was being met by other UUC entities, it disbanded, leaving behind an amazing legacy of ministry – as well as over $4,000 in funds.

The Social Justice Steering Committee decided to apply the funds in the spirit of this legacy: for microfinance as a tool to alleviate poverty.  The devastating earthquake in Haiti made the need in that country greater than ever.

The Steering Committee chose Fonkoze (from a Haitian Creole phrase meaning “Shoulder-to-Shoulder Foundation”), for its long standing and deep on-the-ground presence (40 branches, 200,000 savings accounts, and nearly $9 million invested in 45,000 microloans). For the poorest of the poor who cannot yet sustain a “microbusiness” and apply for a loan, Fonkoze provides training, confidence-building, and assistance with health care and home repairs.

Although Fonkoze was hard hit by the earthquake, it worked very hard to get back in business quickly, so that people would have access to their savings and relatives from abroad could send remittances. All but two of Fonkoze’s branches are open again.

Many people in our congregation helped make this gift possible. UUC’s Living Justice Fund provides financial support to social justice activities and organizations outside of the church that are consistent with the principles of Unitarian Universalism and UUC’s social justice goals. To learn more about the Living Justice Fund or our Social Justice Steering Committee, contact our Social Justice Coordinator Jennifer Bright.