Dennis Bratton , Pastor of Jacksonville, has raised thousands of dollars for aid to Haiti. But people were still hungry, sick and impoverished.

To help break this cycle, the Foundation Bratton Kore has begun a sustainable, poultry farming micro-enterprise. The organizers hope to provide income for families and needed animal protein for the population long after the departure of humanitarian.

"Haiti has over 75% unemployment, 1 million kids malnourished and a lack of anything sustainable economically for adults" declared the Pastor Bratton.

The Foundation Bratton Kore gives loans, material and chicks to Haitian families so they can own and operate their own chicken coops. But first, future owners must go through instruction on proper feed and medical care for the chickens as well as ethical business practices.

According to Bratton, the farmers are given loans of $2,350, which they must pay back in 18 to 24 months. The money pays for the coop, as well as the chicks and feed for the first two cycles of chickens. Each cycle is ready to market in about six weeks. "After the first cycle, these farmers are making more than their annual salary," asserts the Pastor.

Before the earthquake of 2010, the average annual per capita in Haiti was about 1.200 dollars according to the CIA Factbook. But Bratton estimates that the chicken coop owners will bring in about $6,600 annually.

If Kore's plan works, the coops will not only provide sustainable income but also a crucial part of Haitians' diet. So far, the Kore foundation has 40 coops operating in Haiti with a goal of having 100 by the end of the year.

PI/ HaitiLibre