This year, I am a member of the HOPE’S INterns program. Through the program, I am learning about social advocacy and developing my leadership skills to change the world! One of our main projects is organizing an annual fashion show fundraiser called Hope’s in Style. This is an important event that brings together our community and rallies for hope!
I hope to raise money for the 501(c)(3) organization, HOPE’S IN, as I believe that they positively change the lives of the people living in Guatemala. HOPE’S IN has been working to empower families in Guatemala for the past 8 years. Their programs focus on community development projects like building homes, special education, empowering teen mothers, medical care, and raising up the next generation of humanitarian leaders.
My fundraising goal is to raise $1,000 to help build a home for a family living in the garbage dump communities of Guatemala City. The cost of a home in these communities ranges from $5700-7500. I know that what I fundraise will make a difference and empower a family with a dignified, safer home!
Families living in the communities we work alongside are partially or completely reliant on the city’s landfill for means to survive and make a living. Many families live in homes built from materials found in the garbage; they often have dirt floors and rarely have running water. Families work in the garbage dump all day long looking for bottles to recycle or items to sell. On average, families make about $5-7 a day. Therefore, it would take families multiple generations to save enough money for a new, cinderblock home.
I want to try and work with all of the Hope’s In programs because they are all so amazing. But since 7th grade, I’ve been dreaming of going to Guatemala and building a home for a family, so that is the main program I am trying to fundraise for. This program is so important to me because people don’t realize how much luxury we have in the homes we live in on a day to day basis. We live in houses that have solid floors, walls that are thick and sturdy, and doors that close to allow us privacy, but families in Guatemala live in make-shift houses that have none of these things. I want to raise as much money as possible, allowing me to go down to Guatemala next summer (or whenever it is safe to do so, due to the pandemic) and build as many houses as possible. I want to be a part of making these families’ lives better and a part of that can come from building a safe, sturdy home! Will you help me to achieve my goal to make an impact this April?
Thank you for giving the gift the hope!
Sincerely,
Katherine C.