Esperanza International

 

Community Development

Contaminated drinking water, lack of toilets and sanitation systems, make-shift shacks with dirt floors that fall like a house of cards during a hurricane, absence of recreational spaces to engage youth in positive activies….these are some of the typical community problems facing at least 55% of the Dominican population.

Our Community Development program takes a self-help and community-led approach, assuring sustainability and local ownership of both the problems and the solutions. Currently we engage in these areas:

  • Water Projects
  • Home Improvement Program
  • Baseball Recreational Fields

Water Projects

Even of the poorest of the poor in the D.R. try to purchase filtered water, if it is at all possible, as the water from the faucet is not potable and its consumption can lead to many chronic illnesses and water-borne diseases.

As start up costs for the water purification equipment can be high, Esperanza provides the initial capital to a local church in the form of a low-interest loan and with the help of specialized technicians, the water purification unit is installed and begins producing clean water. Churches usually are able to pay this loan off within several years of the initial disbursement. With any additional revenues from the project, churches utilize these to invest in its congregational and community ministries and outreach. alt

Agua Bestesta water project, one of seven projects Esperanza supports

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Home Improvement loans allow families to build safer homes.

Home Improvement Program

Esperanza International’s Housing Improvement Loan Program provides our associates the opportunity to improve their living conditions through our microfinance services.

We believe inadequate housing promotes hopelessness, creates instability for families, and increases the risks of disease. As our associates’ businesses grow many start investing in their homes. The loan, which usually averages about $1200, provides capital to make these improvements to the home. We also provide the advice on financing for renovations and an assigned Project Manager, while our associates help contract the workers from the local community and help in organizing the renovation.

Baseball Fields

Little league baseball facilities have been built in 5 different locations in the country in partnership with Major League Baseball as a means of focusing on youth through sports training programs that promote childhood development and self-confidence.