Stellar and VIA’s Crypto Magic: Delivering Safe Aid to Haitian Moms
A Groundbreaking Partnership Emerges
In late 2025, a powerful alliance formed between VIA Science, Inc., the Stellar Development Foundation, and the nonprofit Hope for Haiti. They teamed up to tackle a persistent challenge in humanitarian aid: getting help to families safely without the dangers of carrying cash. This collaboration, announced on December 17, 2025, aimed to support mothers in southern Haiti who were struggling with poverty and caring for kids in need of nutrition. It was a real-world test of how blockchain technology could make a difference in everyday lives, blending innovation with compassion.
The Heart of the Program
Over a six-month period, the partners distributed more than $200,000 to 325 mothers connected to Hope for Haiti’s nutritional programs. Each woman received a monthly stipend of $100, delivered digitally as USD Coin (USDC), on the Stellar network. Using the VIA app on simple smartphones, recipients could cash out, send money to others, or spend at local merchants. The best part? It worked offline, even in areas with spotty internet or power outages, making it reliable in Haiti’s tough conditions.
Overcoming Real-World Hurdles
Haiti had long relied on cash for aid, but that often meant risks like theft or loss during transport. This cashless approach changed the game by cutting out those dangers. USDC’s stability protected against crypto price swings, and the system’s transparency let everyone track funds from start to finish. As Skyler Badenoch, CEO of Hope for Haiti, put it, they delivered support “more securely, efficiently, and transparently,” putting resources straight into families’ hands without the hassle.
Voices from the Frontlines
Leaders involved shared inspiring insights. Candace Kelly from the Stellar Development Foundation highlighted how blockchain bridged gaps in traditional banking, minimizing cash risks. Colin Gounden, VIA’s co-founder and CEO, emphasized their tech’s military-grade reliability, designed for harsh environments. “Our goal is to make tools that work reliably wherever people need them,” he said, underscoring the human focus behind the innovation. This wasn’t just about tech, it was about real safety and well-being for vulnerable communities.
A Model for the Future
The program set a new standard for aid delivery, showing how crypto could reach the unbanked safely and transparently. While it wrapped up after six months, it sparked ideas for scaling similar efforts worldwide. In a world full of crises, this collaboration proved that thoughtful tech could humanize help, turning abstract ideas into tangible support for families rebuilding their lives.