Political unrest in Haiti is impacting Fairfield County’s large Haitian population.

The U.S. Embassy is urging citizens not to travel to Haiti and visitors to leave as soon as possible.

Leaders of the Norwalk business Haiti Plus says everyone they know has family or friends in their homeland. The company offers passport services, housing and job assistance.

They described the situation as being held hostage in their own home as gangs overrun the capital. They also say they have not had an elected official in the nation’s government in a year. They’re calling for international aid ahead of an emergency meeting on Monday.

“When we came here, our intention was to stay for a certain period of time and go back home and live there,” said Guy Bocicaut, the owner of Haiti Plus. “But now, that's not the case. We cannot even go on vacation.”

“Things that we take for granted. Going in your backyard. You never know when a stray bullet will strike you,” said Pascale Millien-Faustin, the president of Sosyete KouKouy.

Local leaders say that sending money to Haiti is not safe. Instead of fundraising, they are doubling down on providing local support for any newcomers.