On September 19, 2022, Hurricane Fiona struck the Dominican Republic with unrelenting force. Winds reached over 90 miles per hour, and rain poured without mercy. Homes were flooded, power was lost, and lives were upended. But for the children of the Niños de Cristo Orphanage, the storm’s fury was more than just a terrifying experience—it was a direct threat to their safety and stability.
The hurricane ripped through the orphanage grounds, reducing what was once a strong 13-foot-high and 295-foot-long protective wall into rubble. That wall had been more than just bricks and mortar—it served as a vital barrier between the children and the world outside, offering security, privacy, and peace of mind. In a matter of hours, it was gone.
With the wall down, the orphanage grounds were left completely exposed. The playground where children once ran freely was crushed beneath uprooted trees. The basketball court and playground, once a joyful place of community and connection, were strewn with splintered branches and debris. Trees that once offered shade and beauty now stood broken, their roots torn from the earth.
But amidst the devastation and the face of crisis, Niños Matter did what we always do—we came together. Volunteers, donors, and community members near and far answered the call. With urgency in our hearts and compassion as our guide, we began the work of rebuilding. Thanks to generous donations of materials and financial support, we were able to hire skilled local labor to do the job right—and do it quickly.
By February 2023, just five months after the storm, the wall stood tall once again. More than just a physical structure, this wall represents resilience, protection, and hope. It’s a testament to what can happen when people refuse to let disaster have the final word. Now, the children of Niños de Cristo can once again play safely within the grounds, sleep peacefully at night, and know that they are protected by a community that truly sees and supports them.
At Niños Matter, we know the importance of creating safe spaces for children to thrive—and we know that healing isn’t always about what's rebuilt, but about how we rebuild it: together, with love and purpose.
Published September 2022
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