The Dominican Republic is known around the world for its breathtaking beaches, lively culture, and welcoming people. Yet beyond the resorts and tourist areas lies a side of the country that is often unseen — one marked by poverty, inequality, and hardship. While the nation has made strides in economic growth, millions of Dominicans still struggle daily to meet their basic needs.
Over the past decade, the Dominican Republic’s economy has been one of the fastest-growing in the Caribbean. However, this growth has not reached everyone. Much of the wealth is concentrated in urban centers and tourist regions, leaving rural communities in deep poverty. In these areas, many families live without access to clean water, electricity, or adequate healthcare. Children often drop out of school early to help their families survive, and unemployment remains high, especially among young adults.
More than 20% of Dominicans live below the national poverty line, and in some rural provinces, the number is much higher. In small mountain villages and sugarcane farming communities, families live in simple wooden or tin homes, often without proper sanitation. Many rely on unstable daily wages, earning barely enough to buy food. Malnutrition affects thousands of children, and limited access to healthcare means even treatable illnesses can become life-threatening.
Education is a major challenge for low-income families. Although school attendance has improved, the quality of education is still low, especially in public schools. Many rural communities lack enough teachers or proper classroom materials. For children growing up in poverty, opportunities are limited, trapping generations in the same cycle of hardship.
Another overlooked issue is the large number of Haitian migrants living in the Dominican Republic. Many have fled violence or poverty in Haiti seeking safety and work, but they often face discrimination and live in poor conditions without access to legal documents or basic rights. These communities, living mostly in “bateyes” — small settlements near sugarcane fields — suffer some of the worst poverty in the country.
In the face of such need, churches and ministries across the Dominican Republic are stepping in to help. Community leaders are offering education programs, feeding initiatives, and faith-based outreach to families struggling to survive. Organizations like World of Assistance play an important role in bringing hope — not only by providing food and clothing, but by empowering people to build better futures for their families.
The Dominican Republic is a country full of potential, but the poverty that grips so many must not be ignored. Behind the beauty of its beaches are countless families in desperate need of compassion, opportunity, and support. World of Assistance is working to bring hope to these communities by providing food, education, and essential resources to struggling families while sharing encouragement and faith. Together, through partnership, prayer, and action, we can make a difference — one family, one child, and one community at a time.