How You or Your Church Can Help

Children With Hope – Projected Costs

The below figures are estimates based on information from contacts on the ground in Kenya.  The inflation rate in Kenya is exceptionally high and the figures below are estimates.

Vehicles:  $15,000  PURCHASED (4 wheel drive, reliable vehicle – 2000 Model Year) There will eventually be a need for two vehicles in Eldoret.  However, we’ve been blessed with the initial vehicle needed.

Land for Farming/Eventual Building:  $18,500 for 6 acres outside of Eldoret  PURCHASEDInitially, this land will be used for farming, chickens, fruit trees, trees for lumber, etc.  The land is critical for Children With Hope’s goal of becoming a “self-sufficient” Children’s Home. 

Initial House: $150,000 PURCHASED We have been blessed with a wonderful house in Eldoret that houses the American Administrators and two of their children, as well as several Kenyan children.

Second Home: $60,000 This home will be built directly behind the initial house purchased. The initial house is on a large lot that allows us to build a second house without purchasing additional property. This home will house at least 20 orphans as well as Kenyan house parents.

Annual Operation Cost Per Child: $1,800 per child is the approximate annual operating budget. This amount will be raised as a result of "sponsors" of children for a total of $150 per month. Sponsors will be given a specific child to sponsor and may commit to any amount they wish toward the $150 total monthly amount for that child.

You may ask: “I’ve seen other child sponsorship programs for around $30 a month, why is Children With Hope’s sponsorship $150 a month per child?”

We’ve included below an explanation and a comparison to a well-known Christian child sponsorship program which is one of most respected "Child Sponsorship" agencies. We want to be clear that the below comparison is in no way a criticism of any other organization, but rather an explanation of how Children With Hope is different. As a matter of fact, our family has continued to sponsor a child through this other organization for over 10 years now, so we are very supportive of this type of ministry.

1. Not all child sponsorship programs are the same. For example, the child sponsorship program's cost referred to above is currently $32 a month. The difference is that this organization does not provide housing, around-the-clock care, all meals and medical care. This organization’s mission is more like an "after-school" program. Thus, a $32 per month cost is covering the cost for this type of program, not for full care of a child. This is a great program, but it reflects a very different ministry model than that of Children With Hope. Children With Hope's mission includes the following for each child:

24-7 care / 365 days a year, which includes:

1. Housing related costs - including house parent(s), furnishings, bedding, etc.
2. Clothing/shoes
3. Medical care
4. Personal hygiene
5. School costs - including most likely Christian school, school fees, school uniforms, books, etc.
6. Food for all meals
7. Kenyan staff to help meet the needs of the children at the Children’s Home
8. Maintenance as relates to the Children’s Home
9. Any and all other expenses to care for each child - toys, recreation, etc.
10. A loving and Christian HOME!
    

In summary, the CWH child sponsorship amount covers every aspect of the child's needs. While there are many other fine organizations that provide sponsorship opportunities, it’s important to understand what the sponsorship amount covers. The $150 per month sponsorship for Children With Hope is all-inclusive. This is not to say that one approach is better than another, but it demonstrates that there can be vast differences in cost, especially when considering the services provided. Children With Hope is unwavering in our comprehensive approach, which is one of the fundamental elements of our mission.

2. The cost to establish/maintain a Children’s Home in Eldoret, Kenya
   The Children's Home is in Eldoret, Kenya, so the costs reflect this area. A trip to the grocery store in Eldoret, Kenya would likely cost close to the same as it would in many places in the U.S. for similar items. The cost for the house that we purchased would be similar to housing costs in some small American towns. While some costs such as labor and medical expenses are much less in Kenya then raising a child in the United States, other costs are similar.
   
   
3. Quality of Care. It is the mission of Children With Hope to provide exceptional care to each orphan/child to whom we minister. This does not in any way suggest extravagance, rather it is a commitment to safety, security, education, food, shelter, clothing, etc., all in a loving Christ-centered environment. In short, Children With Hope has high standards for the care of each child, and views each child as a blessing and a gift from God.
   
   
4. Transparency. The current cost of full sponsorship of a child through Children With Hope is $150 a month. We want to be clear that a "sponsor" can commit to virtually any amount they wish, so many children will have more than one sponsor. Should the needs change, sponsorship costs may decrease or increase depending on the situation in the future.

We hope the above demonstrates Children With Hope's commitment to integrity and excellence in regards to child sponsorship, as well as every area of the ministry and we'd invite you to prayerfully consider partnering with us by sponsoring a child at any monthly amount you wish.

Other construction projects as funds allow  (Square footage and costs are all only estimates)

Christian School:  $60,000 for estimated 1,500 square feet based on $40 per square foot  (plus Inflation, depending on timing)

Medical Clinic:  $40,000 for estimated 1,000 square feet based on $40 per square foot (plus inflation, depending on timing)  Plans include a clinic to care for the needs of the orphans and depending on funds, the clinic may eventually also be able to assist those in the community beyond the orphans. 

Vocational Training Center:  $32,000 for estimated 800 square feet based on $40 per square foot (plus inflation, depending on timing)  One of Children With Hope’s objectives is to have practical hands on training for the orphans to learn a trade.  One goal is that each child will gain the skills necessary to earn a living upon high school/college graduation.

Church:  $40,000 for estimated 1,000 square feet based on $40 per square foot (plus inflation, depending on timing)  This would allow for an even stronger tie with a local church and pastor. 

Facility to house visiting workers/short term missionaries:  $32,000 for estimated 800 square feet based on $40 per square foot (plus inflation, depending on timing) Another goal of CWH is to establish a house or dorm type facility to house short term workers who wish to visit and assist at the Home.

Donations may be sent to:
Children With Hope
627  24 ½ Road, Suite D
Grand Junction, CO  81505
800-667-0600

Financial gifts are tax deductible as Children With Hope is a not-for-profit  501(c)3 organization.

For up-to-date information and pictures, please visit the blog of our administrators, Horace and Phyllis Leister. Click here