Fighting Poverty Globally
Through Homes for HOPE projects, we fight global poverty though
Christ-centered microenterprise development programs.
WHAT IS MICRO-ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT?
Christ-Centered Micro-enterprise Development is more than simple charity, it’s a hand-up, not a hand-out.
The programs we support provide under-served families around the world with access to discipleship, safe places to save, business training, and small loans, equipping them to start and grow a small business, and empowering them to realize their true potential as providers and givers in their communities.
Read more stories of transformation.
We are continually blown away by the innovation and spirit of the families we serve, if you would like to read more of their stories – click the button below.
2022 H4H Award Winner – Vincent Habiyaremye
We are happy to announce this year’s Homes for HOPE Award Honoree – Vincent Habiyaremye. When he was first introduced to Urwego Bank (HOPE International’s microfinance institution in Rwanda), Vincent was going door to door to offer his carpentry services, looking for any work he could find.
Albert Sakissa: Paving a Way Forward
Albert Sakissa started a modest cement business out of his home in Pointe-Noire, Congo. With capital from HOPE Congo microloans and the accompanying business training, he expanded from cement to construction materials to delivery and after-sales service and hired three employees, all within two years.
Investing in Liliane’s Dreams
Seven years ago, Liliane had dreams to open a restaurant but no collateral. Turame Community Finance was the only bank in Burundi that was willing to take a chance on her idea, providing a community bank loan where the average first loan is $25.
HOW IT WORKS
IMPACT ON FAMILIES
Our goal is to support programs where families experience true and lasting change across four domains: spiritual, social, material, and personal.
EQUIPPED TO PROVIDE
The families we serve are more able to secure a stable income, allowing them to better provide for their families needs, including food and housing for their families, education for their children, and vital medications and healthcare.
SOCIALLY CONNECTED
The families we serve are placed in solidarity groups which are facilitated in local churches – providing opportunities for them to build stronger relationships within their communities and local churches.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
The families we serve are empowered to take their own ideas and dreams and bring them to life – emphasizing the personal calling and giftedness that they have and greater dignity and hope for the future.
SPIRITUAL REVIVAL
The families we serve get to hear the gospel, and it is our hope that they come to a saving faith in Christ, evidenced by the fruits of the Spirit and active discipleship.
GLOBAL IMPACT
You partnership goes to support Christ-centered micro-enterprise development ministries in 16 countries around the world.
*Country names have been withheld for security.
AFRICA
Burundi
Malawi
Republic of Congo
Rwanda
Zambia
Zimbabwe
EASTERN EUROPE
Moldova
Romania
Ukraine
ASIA*
East Asia*
Philippines
South Asia*
LATIN AMERICA
Dominican Republic
Haiti
Paraguay
Peru
98%
% of Loans Repaid
(Network Wide)
+900,000
Clients Currently Being Served
2850
Clients Served by a Home For Hope
HOPE INTERNATIONAL FAQ
How does HOPE combine discipleship and poverty alleviation?
HOPE’s commitment to combining a witness for Christ with poverty alleviation begins with our staff. We believe staff cannot pass on what they do not have, so HOPE is committed to hiring staff members who have demonstrated a personal relationship with Christ. HOPE also provides opportunities for continued discipleship of our staff. Because HOPE-network staff members and loan officers are local to the areas they serve, they are aware of appropriate, culturally suitable ways to share the Gospel with the people they serve. One consistent opportunity comes through biblically based training that emphasizes good business practices in a Christ-centered context. HOPE also uses complementary ministries, including children’s ministries, to strengthen the local Church.
For what types of businesses can HOPE-network clients receive loans?
While the types of businesses clients use their loans for vary, some typical businesses include running small restaurants or grocery stores; growing crops and raising animals; sewing; selling produce, clothing, or baked goods; and car repair.
How do you decide who you will give a loan to?
The process varies across countries and programs. In many programs, HOPE relies on social collateral, lending to groups of people who cross-guarantee each other’s loans. As a result, members select others they believe will be able to repay. Loan officers provide training so clients are prepared to manage their loan, and they review a variety of factors in the approval process: business plans, amount requested, the current economic market, etc. In savings and credit associations, where members save their own money, the group decides if and when to loan to one another from their pooled savings. HOPE provides loans to people in poverty regardless of race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, or marital status. There is no financial benefit or preferential treatment associated with conversion to faith in Christ.
What is a typical loan size for a HOPE-network client?
Loan sizes can vary significantly by country. HOPE typically provides loans ranging from $100 to $2,000 to people living in poverty. This capital is enough to develop a small business to help a family meet their needs including food, schooling, and housing.
Do people repay their loans from HOPE?
HOPE has a loan repayment rate of 97.5% in 2019.
Does HOPE only work with Christians?
HOPE serves people living in poverty regardless of their race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, or marital status. There are no financial benefits or preferential treatment associated with conversion to faith in Christ.
Does HOPE charge interest?
Yes, HOPE-network clients pay interest at a rate that will eventually enable each microfinance institution (MFI) to become self-sufficient. Interest rates are determined based on local context and are competitive and appropriate for HOPE-network areas of operation.
