Our History

Ministry Begins in Brooklyn — 1979

Haitian Catholic ministry takes root in Brooklyn, built by a dedicated community of priests, sisters, lay leaders, and volunteers committed to serving Haitian immigrants with dignity and faith.

USCCB Affiliation — 1988

The NCHA becomes affiliated with the USCCB’s Office of Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees — the first national office dedicated to Haitian ministry in the U.S. Catholic Church, reached through years of collective effort.

Earthquake Response — 2010

Following the devastating Haiti earthquake, the NCHA leads pastoral and humanitarian response. Haiti receives its first TPS designation — a protection our organization has defended ever since.

Renewed Mission — 2021

The NCHA reaffirms its founding vision and pledges to serve — deepening digital outreach and TPS advocacy work, and expanding programs for Haitian families across the U.S.

Serving the 1.5 Million — Today

The NCHA continues serving an estimated 1.5 million Haitians in the U.S. through pastoral formation, youth education, immigration navigation, and cultural preservation — in Kreyòl, English, and French.

TPS Defense at the Supreme Court — 2026

The Apostolate stands with the 352,000 Haitian TPS holders whose fate is being decided by the U.S. Supreme Court — providing community support, legal referrals, and real-time information.