Currently the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti has experienced political instability for most of its history. A massive magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti in January 2010 with an epicenter about 25 km (15 mi) west of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Estimates are that over 300,000 people were killed and some 1.5 million left homeless. The earthquake was assessed as the worst in this region over the last 200 years.  Haiti is both abounding in beauty and entangled in turmoil, hunger, and poverty. Alcoholism, drugs, and prostitution run rampant in Haiti among the nearly 11,000,000 people living in Haiti. The life expectancy is short with the average age being just 23 years old. Only 9% of the population is over the age of 50. 60% of the population lives below the poverty line with an unemployment rate of 40%. For those that are employed, nearly 66% have no formal jobs and are taking different opportunities as they arise. The Bridge is making a difference through our partnership with Rendezvous Church. RVC not only is a church lead by a Haitian national but it currently runs anywhere from 1,300 to 1,500 people on a Sunday. RVC has also launched many initiatives with the intent to build up the people of Haiti from within. Some examples of this are Haiti Teen Challenge, two separate homes operating to rescue boys and girls from drugs, alcoholism, and prostitution and to introduce them to Jesus. RVC has started an auto repair shop to teach the necessary skills to men in order that they can make a living. RVC has two schools with nearly 60 staff and 600 students. Through the schools, they teach biblical principles, invest in the families and the communities and provide jobs that in turn reinvest in the local economy. RVC is an innovating ministry and The Bridge is proud to be providing nearly 23% of the Churches operational budget.