Hope Effect Update and a Birthday Wish
Six weeks ago, on November 1, we announced the creation of a new nonprofit organization called The Hope Effect.
The Hope Effect exists to change orphan care around the world by focusing on new solutions that better mimic the family unit. Rather than building large instutional orphanages with high child-to-adult ratios, we are solving the problem by building smaller homes—each providing a family environment for 6-8 orphans and 2 parents.
Since that announcement, I have had thousands of conversations about the topic of orphan care. The conversations have ranged in focus from people who are just being introduced to the crisis around the world, to people who have specific questions about our plan, to people asking how to get involved in support or volunteering.
The conversations have been amazing. So has the financial support.
And an update on the progress is long overdue. So here are the details:
Financial Update:
In less that 50 days, The Hope Effect has raised over $50,000.
But the news gets even more encouraging:
Over 700 people have contributed, ranging in donation amounts from $1 to $5,000.
130 people have organized peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns.
Over 200 people have joined our $10 Team providing $3,500 in monthly recurring donations.
Progress Update:
Because of your generous support, we have already announced a ground-breaking date for our first home on the campus of La Providencia in Siguatepeque, Honduras.
That’s right—just two months after announcing our initiative, we are already building a home! And assuming no major setbacks in construction, the house should be fully complete by early-summer.
I am thankful for all the help and expertise La Providencia has provided through this phase—the home is being built on their campus and will be operated under their local leadership.
A Birthday Wish:
One reason I wanted to provide a Hope Effect update today is because today, December 11, is my birthday. I turn 41 years old. And I have decided to donate my birthday this year to The Hope Effect.
I already have everything I need. Since becoming minimalist years ago, my definition of need has changed dramatically. In fact, I rarely use the word… and cringe just a little bit when I hear others say it. Looking around my home this morning, I am reminded again that any use of that word in relation to my life is complete foolishness. With food in my kitchen, clean water in my cup, a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and a family who supports me, I am not in need. There is truly nothing that I need for my birthday.
But many of the estimated 150 million orphans around the world do have needs. Not only do they need food and shelter and clothing, they need attention and affection and love. They need support from a family. They need to feel cared for and safe and wanted. The Hope Effect is providing that. And I want my birthday to stand for something important.
So I am donating it to orphans around the world.
We either leave this world better, unchanged, or worse off than when we arrived. And my hope is to leave it better for someone who truly needs it.
How You Can Help:
To help me celebrate my birthday, you can donate to my personal Hope Effect page. You can donate $4, $41, $410, or any dollar amount you desire.
I have selected $5,000 as a fundraising goal. Including the money we have already raised, $5,000 will be enough to cover the most significant building costs of our first home. The goal is high, but the need is great.
The opportunity to make a difference is very real and the Becoming Minimalist community is among the most generous on the Internet today. Donate small or donate big. Just please don’t leave this opportunity unchanged.
Maybe the greatest gift you can give somebody is a loving family. Someone you may never meet is waiting to thank you for it.
