Journey Into Hope is an independent, private, charitable foundation dedicated
to improving the health and living conditions of desperately poor people in
Latin America and the Caribbean. In whatever way we can, and using whatever
means most appropriate to each situation, we strive simply to improve the
health and general well-being of people suffering from sickness, hunger, and
inadequate (or no) housing caused by extreme poverty. Although we are a
Christian foundation deeply moved by the words of Jesus Christ
“…whatever you
do not do for the least of these, you do not do for me,” we reach out to help,
and to receive help from, people of all faiths.
Since 1995, we have been
involved in setting up free clinics and giving away millions of dollars worth
of medicines in very poor neighborhoods in Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia and
the Dominican Republic. We have also worked at several schools and churches in
Colombia and the Dominican Republic. Presently, along with an annual one week
medical clinic, we are working toward providing decent housing for Haitian
refugees in and near Sabaneta de Yasica on the north coast of the Dominican
Republic. To accomplish this goal we have purchased property, a lot large
enough (650 sq. meters) for very basic houses for three families. We hope to
build three, approximately 1200 sq. ft., cement floor, concrete block, tin-
roof, hurricane-proof homes at the cost of about $15,000US each. Each house
will have a hand dug well and water filter to provide clean drinking water for
these families.
Currently in the Sabaneta de Yasica area, hundreds of Haitian
refugees are living in the dirt and mud in the flood plain of the Veragua
River. Seasonal rains bring as much as four feet of water into the tin and
cardboard shacks of these people, and they are forced to evacuate several
times each year. With adequate housing on dry land, we can dramatically
improve not only the living conditions of these folks, but also their overall
health. All the best medicines in the world will not keep people healthy if
they are living in the mud and bathing, drinking and cooking with the
same river water.
By far, the very poorest of the poor in the Dominican
Republic are the Haitian refugees; and, the most obvious need of many of these
families is a dry place to live. Please help us provide such a place.
Financial help is greatly needed and much appreciated. Gifts are tax-
deductible and checks can be made out and sent to IDES (International Disaster
Emergency Service) or to the New Life Christian Church, Linden TN, Dominican
Mission Fund. 100% of all gifts will go directly to help the poor.
Your concern and generousity for these projects is deeply appreciated.
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Journey Into Hope Team