WHAT WE DO

The Drop-In Center (Street Home)

Located in the capital city of Addis Ababa, the Hope for the Hopeless Drop-In Center serves as a place of short-term safety for the city’s street children.  They can receive a shower, a meal and clean clothes.  Some children are motivated to stay and commit to leaving behind the habits learned while living on the streets.  At this point they begin the long journey of healing from the grief and trauma they have already experienced in their short lives.

The process of restoration of hope begins in this small facility where they receive counseling, skill development, education, medical care and nurturing in a safe and supportive environment.  Orphan status is verified and attempts are made to re-unite the children with extended family.  The children begin learning the truth of Jesus Christ through chapel services and devotionals.  If reunification with family is unsuccessful, the children will move to the orphanage in Sululta when they have demonstrated readiness to thrive in that environment.  There are currently 18 children living at the Drop-In Center.

Hope for the Hopeless OrphanAge

The orphanage is located outside the city of Addis Ababa in the beautiful countryside of Sululta, Ethiopia.  The 7-acre property allows the children to live in a peaceful setting where they can continue their growth and healing. They learn to trust and love again with the help of the committed and compassionate staff.

The children are enrolled in school and are transported to the nearest educational facility that is taught in their language.  The expense of hired transportation is an issue of great concern, creating urgency to finish construction of a school on the property in Sululta and/or purchase a vehicle to transport the children.

The first of two dormitories is completed and currently houses 45 children, ages 6-17.  A generator currently powers the facility until the government can obtain a transformer and establish a permanent power connection.  Upon completion of phase 1 construction, the property will consist of two dormitories housing 72 children, a kitchen, and a dining hall.  Phase 2 construction plans include a school capable of serving hundreds of local children and offices from which to manage the program.  In an effort to promote self-sufficiency, there are also plans for gardens, fruit trees, and animals to be a source of food and income.

Foster Care Program

The foster care program attempts to locate local Ethiopian families who are willing to assume the care of an orphaned child.  Finding Christian families who are capable of caring for an additional child proves difficult, even with financial support through sponsorship of the child.  Despite the difficulties in locating willing families, there are over 100 children currently in foster care facilitated and supported by Hope for the Hopeless.  There are over 100 children on a waiting list for a foster family.  These children are periodically visited and monitored by the staff to ensure an appropriate living situation.