At Risk Children’s is primarily an organization of volunteers. Volunteers can provide oversight and direction to all aspects of the organization, but for the last 4 years due to rampant gang violence, kidnappings, and civil unrest are the primary reasons for the halt in volunteer travel to Haiti.
As of early 2026, armed gangs control large parts of the country, including 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, making it dangerous for both residents and foreign visitors. Here is why volunteer travel is currently not possible. Humanitarian workers and volunteers are not immune to violence; in many cases, they are targeted or caught in the crossfire. Due to the instability, governments may have limited or no ability to assist in evacuating foreign citizens in an emergency.
