A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Mustard Seed Communities (MSC) Jamaica and HaitiChildren to provide accommodation for 59 severely disabled orphans, as well as 13 caregivers, from Haiti, the non-profit organisation announced Thursday.

The group from Haiti is expected to arrive in Jamaica on Thursday and will be housed at the newly built Ephesus Village, Jacob’s Ladder, Moneague, according to MSC in a release which noted that the arrangement is initially for two years and funding will be provided by HaitiChildren’s various established donors.

Father Garvin Augustine, Executive Director of Mustard Seed Communities International, said following a series of meetings with government agencies, MSC was granted permission for the children to enter Jamaica legally and to get the necessary care in a safe environment.

Founder and CEO of the non-profit HaitiChildren, Susie Krabecher, approached the leaders of Mustard Seed Communities in Jamaica, in the wake of the gang warfare which has disrupted the lives of the Haitian people, especially the most vulnerable in the society. She noted that because of their disabilities, the children faced mounting challenges primarily because of the escalating violence in Haiti.

“These children, who had been living under the care of HaitiChildren, were forced to leave the organisation’s facility when growing unrest made it unsafe for them to continue living there. This resulted in the children being left without access to vital supplies and urgent medical attention,” she noted.

According to Krabecher, transporting the children from Haiti to Jamaica, posted significant challenges especially for the individual who have complex needs.

Father Garvin said the collaboration offered a lifeline to the children from Haiti.

“The arrival of these children in Jamaica is a testament to our dedication to never turning our backs on those in need. We recognise the profound responsibility we have taken on, and promise to provide them with the care and support they deserve,” he noted.

Mustard Seed Communities, which was established as a non-profit 46 years ago by Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon, operates 12 homes throughout the island and cares for over 450 abandoned and severely disabled children, those impacted by HIV, as well as pregnant teens. It also has homes in four other countries across the globe.