Getting solar panels into Haiti isn’t easy. It takes a rare kind of grit, relentless problem-solving, and a whole lot of collaboration. But at Healing Waters International, we believe that everyone deserves safe water—even if getting the equipment there means navigating some of the most complex and unpredictable logistics in the world.
Just recently, our teams celebrated a major milestone: solar panels are now installed and operational at two of our water projects in Mabriyol and Bondeau, Haiti. This means safe, reliable water access in remote communities where there is no grid power and no other sustainable option. But behind this success is a story of resilience.
A Shared Mission
It started with a generous offer. Jason Humphrey, Executive Director of the Sunraising Foundation, learned of the need and took action. “We reached out to our network within the renewable energy industry,” Jason explained. “Transform Solar helped secure a donation of aging panels from Greentech Renewables in Palmetto, Florida.”
But knowing how difficult it would be to actually get the panels into Haiti only deepened Jason’s commitment. “So many people turn back when they find out there’s an elevated risk of failure,” he said. “But we believe you can’t have perseverance without a challenge to overcome. Partnering with Healing Waters gives us confidence. Their track record and the quality of their staff make us proud to stand alongside them.”
A Logistical Labyrinth
Once the panels were secured, Hana Lokey, Senior Program Manager at Healing Waters, faced the next hurdle: getting them into Haiti—and specifically to the southern peninsula, where our systems are located.
“Shipping to Haiti is never easy, but this was especially difficult,” Hana said. “Our regular shipper would’ve been extremely expensive and only ships to the north or Port-au-Prince. That’s not an option when roads are dangerous and solar panels are high-value targets.”
To find a solution, the team reached out to several trusted partners with Haiti United – a coalition of dozens of like-minded ministries doing Kingdom work in Haiti. After many phone calls, consultations, and prayerful patience, they chose a lesser-known shipping company that could access a southern port. “It was a risk,” Hana admitted. “But it paid off. We were able to clear customs thanks to the connections and negotiation skills of our in-country leader, Wesly.”
The shipment wasn’t without hiccups—delays, confusing instructions, and one broken panel along the way—but the team had anticipated problems and prepared for them. “We sent one extra panel, just in case,” Hana said.
Collaboration Across Borders
Before the panels made their journey to Haiti, Mark Nawrocki, our Director of Development, met Jason at the warehouse in Florida where the panels were staged. It was a tangible reminder of how collaboration—from donors to shipping coordinators to local leaders—makes impact possible.
“This project brought together people across sectors and borders,” Mark shared. “Jason’s team, the renewable energy industry, our coalition partners, Wesly’s local contacts, stateside church partners, our staff on the ground—everyone was driven by the same mission: to bring safe water to places the world often overlooks.”
A Symbol of Hope
Now that the panels are installed, they are already powering safe water systems in two of the most remote regions in Haiti. They are more than just solar panels, they’re a symbol of what can happen when people push through challenges and work together.
Jason put it best: “We hope this project inspires more companies to see what’s possible. You don’t have to be a massive corporation to make a big impact. It starts with saying yes—and being willing to stick with it when things get hard.”
Resilience, Trust, and Community
This journey required creativity, flexibility, and a deep well of trust. Healing Waters was able to lean on a strong network, and that network responded with generosity and determination.
In a time when Haiti continues to face immense instability and unrest, this project stands as a beacon of hope: that even in the hardest places, solutions are possible, and progress is worth pursuing.
Because everyone deserves safe water. And sometimes, it takes resilience to get there—solar panel by solar panel.