​

Extreme poverty is the reality and norm in the remote villages of Cambodia. Living conditions are so bad that families make shelter from whatever materials they can find. They earn less than $2 a day, if they are lucky enough to work. Children can’t always go to school – and the cycle of poverty continues. A safe place to call home is the first step to making a difference.

​

Our small, dedicated team work carefully in the villages to find families that are in desperate need of a home. Through our community partners, we also look at what other opportunities we can assist with; from education, health care and small business start ups.

​

Many, if not all of the recipients of our houses, exist on the lowest society level in already poor communities. This makes them desperate, and many have no choice but to live as cheap, disposable labour. We don't see the provision of homes as ‘lifeboats’, but rather as a way to help restore their dignity and regain standing in their local community. The houses, and the conditions under which they are given, are specifically designed to foster and underpin local community values.  

The recipients of our houses are obliged to adhere to basic community values relating to neighbourliness, hygiene and care of their own family, including ensuring that children in the family are properly educated and fully enrolled in the local education system.

While all project activity is conducted openly and in conjunction, wherever possible, with local authorities, great pains are taken to ensure that the corruption and nepotism, which is rife in Cambodia, does not invade our process.  

Our overall aim is to provide quality housing, in a supportive and trusting environment, to give each family space for living and to run a small business. With a safe and secure home, each family has a chance to build a better future for themselves, and their families, and take advantage of opportunities which might come their way.

Having a sound and solid home not only relieves enormous burdens of stress, but encourages stable family units. It also gives our families the chance to live as securely and comfortably as possible in the harsh social and physical environment which is the reality for Cambodia’s poor.