Community Fundraising in Westchester's Haitian-American Community

Westchester County has a significant and growing Haitian-American community, concentrated primarily in Mount Vernon, Yonkers, and New Rochelle. Haitian-Americans have been in Westchester for generations — many families came to the county in the 1970s and 1980s, and subsequent waves of immigration have strengthened the community's presence. This is a proud, community-oriented population with strong cultural institutions.

The church as the central institution

Haitian evangelical and Catholic churches are the most important institutions in the Haitian-American community. Churches like Eglise de Dieu de la Prophétie, Eglise Baptiste, and Catholic parishes serving Haitian families in Mount Vernon and Yonkers are the primary gathering places for community life, mutual support, and fundraising. Sunday services, church WhatsApp groups, and the church's own fundraising events (concerts, dinners, bazaars) are the primary fundraising channels. A campaign that has been announced from the pulpit by a trusted pastor carries institutional authority that no social media post can replicate.

Community organizations

• Haitian American Caucus of Westchester: civic organization focused on political representation and community empowerment. Has community reach and credibility across the Haitian-American population in the county.
• Haitian community associations: regional and hometown associations (associations based on cities or regions of Haiti) maintain strong internal networks. Members raise for causes in both their US communities and back in Haiti.

Social media channels

Haitian Facebook groups (in both Haitian Creole and French) cover Westchester's Haitian community. WhatsApp is essential — the community's primary real-time communication tool. Haitian radio (there are Haitian Creole radio programs in the NYC metro area) and Haitian community websites reach older community members and recent arrivals who may not be on social media.

Cultural traditions in giving

Haitian community giving is often organized around mutual solidarity — a culture of collective responsibility for community members in need. Sou sou (rotating savings groups) are a traditional financial mutual aid mechanism. Community fundraising campaigns that frame the ask in terms of collective responsibility and community solidarity resonate with this cultural orientation. Haitian community dinners, concerts, and cultural events are established fundraising formats that complement online donation campaigns.