Hutch's House Proposal

There are over 1.2 million AIDS orphans in Kenya alone, the third largest population of AIDS orphans in the world. It is estimated that in Nakuru, the closest city to the village where Mountain Park is located, 40% of its residents are HIV positive. The AIDS epidemic is not just claiming the lives of millions of people in Africa; it is leaving behind an entire generation of children without parents, without families at all – without hope. In Africa, children will be taken in by other relatives, or even people in the community and might be given a roof and food if available, but they are usually not accepted as part of the family. When they are grown, they go their own way, usually without ongoing contact or connection to the extended family or relatives with whom they lived. Not only do these children need homes, they need relationship that a loving family provides. Without the roots and foundation that a family provides, children are far less likely to find success in the world and break out of the cycle of poverty.

At the time of this proposal, Mr. and Mrs. Robi, the founders of Mountain Park Academy, have six orphans living with them. As they are elderly and grow older, they will be less likely to be able to continue the care of numerous young children. The quiver is full at Mountain Park of children that we love and care for. It is consistent with the mission of the Kenya Project to provide homes and families for children who are homeless and family-less.

Room outside the Robi’s where two orphans now live

Construction

The Kenya Project plans to build children’s homes housing between eight and 12 children and a set of houseparent and their children. Each home will have a boy’s wing and a girl’s wing together with space for the house parents and their children. Included in the homes are four bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen, family room, dining room and verandah.

The land to be purchased for the homes is six acres, enough for eight homes and acreage left for farming and family gardening. Some of the crops grown on the land will also support the feeding program at Mountain Park Academy.

The land for the project has been offered for $40,000. The seller has title to the property.

Each home will cost $23,000 to construct. $2000 is budget for furnishings and start up supplies for each home.

It is the desire of The Kenya Project to raise $80,000 by September 30, 2007, providing the opportunity of immediate construction start and completing the first home by December 31.

Ongoing Support

Each orphan will be sponsored by a U.S. family or organization at $100 per month to cover living expenses and educational expenses. The monthly support will also contribute to the salary of the houseparents. Funds have been received to support three children to date.

As the Kenya Project has interacted with various interested sponsors, there has often been a desire expressed to have a closer relationship with a child. This sponsorship opportunity will provide that for these children. The sponsor and child will regularly correspond and it will be possible for the sponsor to visit the child through a Kenya Project sponsored mission trip.

Houseparents will be selected from the local community based on their Christian character, leadership and ability to love and nurture children. The first house parents selected are a local pastor and his wife, who are expecting their first child.

Sustainability of Homes and Monthly Operational Budget

Receipts for home with 8 children ---- $800.00 (based on 8 children)

Expenses:

Tuition $160.00
Food $260.00
Medical Fund $140.00
Home Maintenance $100.00
Houseparents $140.00

Request

Our first need is to secure the $40,000 to purchase the land that will eventually house eight children’s homes. To date, $8300 has been raised toward this project. Once the land is purchased , $25,000 per home plus an operational reserve of $15,000 will be raised to build and occupy a home. No home will be built without the funds to construct, furnish and staff each home.

The Kenya Project is praying for the partnership of individuals and organizations who have the same desire to help under-resourced children by creating for them the opportunity for a home and a family.