JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida (LSS) in Jacksonville tells First Coast News that they are "on track" to serve as many Haitian families by June compared to all of last year amid the increase in gang violence and political instability in the country.
Since Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in July 2021, gang violence and political instability have progressively worsened. The situation recently became more chaotic after multiple gang attacks over the past month across the capital of Port-au-Prince targeting prisons, airports and law enforcement.
This week, at least two flights carrying Floridians and other Americans from Haiti to Florida landed in the Sunshine State; watch in the YouTube videos below.
Manager of Marketing and Communications Danae Leake told First Coast News that Haitian and Cuban individuals are offered gap services through LSS' refugee services department.
The 'Preferred Communities-Gap Services for Cuban/Haitian Entrants (CHEs) program' provides support to Cuban and Haitian parolees, refugees and asylees within five years of arrival, according to Leake. Through outreach, assessments, referrals and intensive case management, the program aims to empower and integrate individuals into the local community, ensuring a smooth transition, LSS says. It addresses immediate needs and connects individuals to crucial services like healthcare and legal aid. The program launched late last year.
"We have recently seen a rise in seeing cases from Haiti, and we are expecting to see more in light of the recent unrest in Haiti," Leake told First Coast News. "It might take some time but we are expecting more cases, potentially more cases of unaccompanied minors. In addition, we are seeing our first resettlement and placement case from Haiti."
The following numbers are how many "intakes" of Haitian individuals LSS has had monthly since Oct. 1, 2023:
- October: 43
- November: 54
- December: 88
- January: 73
- February: 84
- March (up to present): 42
Leake says LSS provided assistance to 440 new Haitian arrivals in its programs last year.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has created a portal to collect information from Floridians and other Americans who may be trapped in Haiti, according to a press release Thursday. Their family members can fill out the questionnaire on the portal to let the state know of immediate needs, too. Click here to visit the portal.
The portal launch follows Gov. Ron DeSantis' announcement directing additional law enforcement, Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard resources to the Florida Keys in preparation for an influx of illegal immigrants from Haiti.
"We will continue to work with local law enforcement partners and run more flights to evacuate citizens trapped in Haiti," Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie said in a Governor's Office press release Wednesday.
