A local nonprofit working in Haiti says they're taking extra steps to ensure their staff is safe as the country grapples with violence and unrest.

Be Like Brit runs an orphanage in the country which is under a state of emergency. Gangs have attacked prisons and an airport and called for Haiti's prime minister to resign, and more than 1,000 people have been killed this year. Prime Minister Ariel Henry says he will step down once a transitional presidential crisis is created.

Be Like Brit's co-founder Cherylann Gengel says since welcoming their first child in 2013, they've always made security a priority. The orphanage is under watch 24/7 and Gengel says the communication with staff is critical. 

"Constant communication because that's our family down there," said Gengel. "So we need to make sure they're safe, and as of now, thankfully, everyone is safe. But unfortunately, not everyone in Haiti is that safe. The insecurity in Haiti, even though it's far away from Be Like Brit, Brit's home right now, it still affects the entire country. So, we need to stay on top of it and do our due diligence, making sure everyone is safe where we are." 

Gengel says right now, there are 69 children living at Brit's home. She says staff members at the orphanage are having age-appropriate discussions with the children to keep them aware of how serious the situation is.