One year ago, we founded and launched a nonprofit organization called The Hope Effect. Our dream is to change orphan care around the world by focusing on new solutions that mimic the family unit.
Rather then constructing orphanages as most people imagine them to be (with high child to adult ratios), we are building smaller homes. Each house will become a home for 6-8 children and 2 parents—in this way, we are able to better reproduce the family unit so children receive all the love and attention and affection they would in a family.
To date, The Hope Effect has raised over $250,000 for orphan care. And $160k of that money has come from the Becoming Minimalist community! I couldn’t be more proud of all the work we’ve been able to accomplish.
Siguatepeque, Honduras.
Our first project began earlier this year in Siguatepeque, Honduras on the campus of La Providencia Orphan Care Community. Ground was broken in January. Currently, Honduran construction crews are working to complete the interior of the home. We expect the house to be completed soon and parents to be placed in the home with children early next year.
The Hope Effect in Siguatepeque, Honduras.
San Luis Río Colorado, Mexico.
Our next home will be built in San Luis Río Colorado, Mexico. San Luis Río Colorado is a city of 250,000 people located on the US-Mexico border. In case you haven’t been watching, the border between US and Mexico has been receiving lots of attention recently—we want to be proactive in helping where we can.
Our desired work has been well-received in the city among government officials and community leaders. In fact, we have been offered a piece of land to construct 3-4 homes just blocks away from the city’s department of child protection services (DIF), which would be an amazing location for us! If funding continues to accumulate, we will be able to begin building these homes in 2017.
To get an idea of the city, here are some sites from my most recent trip:
Currently we have raised over $50,000 for this project in Mexico. And I’d love for you to help us raise the rest—and solve some of your holiday clutter dilemmas while you do.
Homes For the Holidays
Last year, we launched our first Homes for the Holidays campaign. People all over the world used the opportunity to ask for donations to a nonprofit organization in lieu of holiday clutter under the tree.
The campaign was quite successful. In fact, during the final two months of 2015, we raised over $100,000.
Today, we are launching the campaign again. If you’ve got enough stuff already and are looking for an opportunity to keep your holiday clutter down to a minimum, partner with The Hope Effect by joining our Homes for the Holidays campaign.
Rather than compiling a long gift list this holiday season, ask your friends and family to help you provide homes for orphans by making a donation rather than purchasing another present.
It’s easy to do: 1) Create your very own personalized fundraising page. Then, 2) Share it with your friends and family. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign-up.
Our goal is to have 1,000 people raise $100 each =$100,000 to build homes in San Luis Río Colorado.
Our commitment to you is that 100% of your donation will be used directly for orphan care (construction of homes and operation of orphan care communities). My investment into The Hope Effect has provided the administrative funding so all public donations can be used for the reason they was intended. You can read more here. And because we are a registered 501(c)(3) organization, your loved-one’s donation is tax-deductible.
Or, Join our $10 Team
If you prefer to donate directly, consider joining our $10 Team by committing to donate at least $10/month. For the price of a Netflix subscription, you can provide loving homes and families for orphans around the world. It’s simple and safe to sign-up. The commitment is small, but the combined impact is significant.
This holiday season, let’s be known for the problems we solve.
I live in Dallas, Texas and see huge homes and always wondered if it would be great if a couple investors bought the homes so that a family could take in ten to twenty kids who might never be adopted by a family. They’re beautiful homes that could house many kids and a couple of energetic adults who love the activity of a full house. It’s so close to the schools and the recreation center so they kids could walk to school and play at the gym and indoor pool after school. The homes surrounding are huge so more little orphanages could be bought to house a thousand kids.
How do I become house parent?
Congratulations. A wonderful initiative. Not being religious, it can be a struggle to find meaning in Christmas beyond consumerism. I can be quite Bah Humbug. To get myself into the Christmas spirit, this year I’ve organised a drive for a grassroots charity for babies in need in my community. It’s got me really excited about Christmas and I get to connect with a whole bunch of kind and generous people.
Joshua, there’s a special place in heaven for folks like you. I’ve donated $100 and promoted the fundraising link on my Facebook page. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Thank you John
Hi Joshua,
Such an amazing idea! I’ve already set aside my birthday this week to charity: water, but I think I know what I’ll be doing for Christmas. Thanks for letting us know!
Hey Joshua,
You rock!
I started a fundraising page and hope to raise tons of money for this awesome and worthy endeavor that will change the world.
Blessings, Shelley
Hooray, awesome! Thanks Shelley.
This is such a good idea. My husband worked as a case manager for residential group homes (the US orphanages), and the smaller, more family like the situation, the more kids can thrive. It also prepares them to transition into a family or when they become adults prepares them to know how to raise a family of their own. We have adopted 4 children and the need is huge. Just in the US over 100,000 are waiting for someone to adopt them. Our home is full! (we also have 2 bio kids) But every child deserves a family.
What a wonderful idea! My family did contributions/charities and spent time together last year instead of gifts and we loved it – I’ll be sharing this as a wonderful alternative to purchasing!
Thanks Alyssa!
Alyssa: We are doing likewise, several children’s group homes in our community will get some needed boxes of various items. Many of us have enough, don’t want or need “stuff” from others. Another project friends are involved in is buying toys for underprivileged kids (drawing a name with age and gender) and a santa project for low income elderly. Baking or various food baskets for friends also made up.