Statements

Mission

Homes for Homes provides safe housing to families in developing countries. We empower local leaders and construction teams to build homes for "at-risk" members of their communities. Safe housing positively impacts multiple generations of a family. We believe that a generational home creates stability and security for families. This home holds the framework for memories and celebrations. By creating a healthier and safer environment, our homes give families the opportunity to build lasting bonds. We believe that a home changes everything

Background

Homes for Homes was founded by Jonathan Harris and Mike Smalling as an extension of their passion for homes and desire to help others receive a home. After a trip to Uganda, they began planning to help some of the families they had met. The model was simple: to engage their partners in the real estate community to give a portion of their income to build homes for families in developing countries.

In a short amount of time, individuals and companies made generosity a part of their business model by giving to Homes for Homes. Now, donors from all walks of life are giving to provide homes to families in need. We are currently working in 4 countries with ministry partners that know and serve the people of their communities.

Impact

When selecting a community, it's important to us that we have a relationship with community leaders and ministry partners. These trusted relationships determine the locations we select and how deep we go into an area. The need in these communities for housing is significant, but most other humanitarian needs are being met. Community leaders select every family that receives a home and manage the construction process. This structure allows us to walk alongside and support community leaders who know their people best. These men are involved in every detail: family selection, land ownership verification, construction material selection, hiring building crews, and quality control management from ground preparation to home completion. Local laborers are a key component of each home project. Every home not only provides a safe shelter for the family, but it also provides fair wages to the men in the community that build each home. Local materials are used to construct each home that is consistent with the style of the communities in which they are built. Regardless of the location, all homes have a concrete floor and a solid roof. By utilizing local resources, we are adding financial stimulus to the local economy. The moment that a family receives their home - it's the highlight of our ministry. That home immediately changes their situation, and it changes our hearts. By providing a home, we are working to preserve families and allow them to raise their children in a safe, healthy environment.

Local laborers are a key component of each home project. Every home not only provides a safe shelter for the family, but it also provides fair wages to the men in the community that build each home. Local materials are used to construct each home that is consistent with the style of the communities in which they are built. Regardless of the location, all homes have a concrete floor and a solid roof. By utilizing local resources, we are adding financial stimulus to the local economy. We're committed to making a long term impact in each community we serve. We've seen that consistent support has greatly improved the health, safety, and stability of families in addition to the economic impact. When we are entering the final phase of home construction, we evaluate the overall community to determine if additional needs are left outstanding. If so, we work to bring in partners that specialize in meeting those needs. For the overall community, we always work to leave it much better than we found it.

We're committed to making a long term impact in each community we serve. We've seen that consistent support has greatly improved the health, safety, and stability of families in addition to the economic impact. Each of our communities have existing water sources, strong community leadership, schools and access to medical care. By providing safe homes, we are meeting one of the most critical basic needs of these families.

We have selected four countries in which to "go deep" and make a consistent, pronounced impact through home construction at scale. To date, over 800 families have received homes which has provided safe shelter to approximately 5,000 people.

Needs

Housing, food and water are considered to be the most basic requirements for daily living. Unfortunately, inadequate housing threatens the lives and health of the world's most impoverished. There are over 1.6 billion people living in poverty, and over 880 million people are currently living in slums. Housing plays a significant socio-economic role in developing countries because it is the most valuable resource to families in these communities. The need for safe housing is staggering.

Service Categories
Primary Category:	Housing, Shelter  - Fund Raising & Fund Distribution
Secondary Category:	Housing, Shelter  - Housing Support
Tertiary Category:	-

Areas Served

Currently, Homes 4 Homes is working in 4 countries: Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Uganda. In these countries, we have strong ties with local leaders and partners. We've served in one community in Guatemala, three communities in Honduras, two communities in Mexico, and five communities in Uganda. Once every family receives a home in these communities, we move to the neighboring communities to replicate the process.

TN - Williamson

International