My name is Maria F., I am a Sophomore at Prairie Ridge Highschool, and I am part of Hope’s In because of pure goodness and kindness of what their goal is. Not a lot of people have the courage to have an idea of how to help others and then commit to doing it themselves, something that the founders of Hope’s In have, and that inspired me to join them. I also love to help others myself, and this program gives me a way to do that.
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 11 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 $200 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 chose Home Building because it is so important for every family to fulfill the basic need of a shelter. It breaks my heart that people don’t have a place to call home like we do here in Crystal Lake. I would love to go to Guatemala to help build these people’s homes, so they have a safe place to live. Will you help me to achieve my goal to make an impact this April?
Thank you for giving the gift the hope!
Sincerely,
Maria F.