Caring Hands: Uganda, Kampala

Caring Hands is made up of volunteers who assist neighborhood Kampala families living in poverty, giving them new hope for the future. Their goal is to break the cycle of poverty in families in the community.

The greatest challenges for families living in poverty are food, housing, school fees, health issues, and access to clean water. To help with such needs, Caring Hands is involved in material, psycho-social, and spiritual support; and by networking and giving information on existing available services for HIV positive individuals (HIV voluntary testing, Anti Retro Viral drugs, etc.). CH volunteers make home visits; distribute food, used clothing and seed; and assist with medical and mental care, funeral costs, and school expenses for children. Caring Hands provides bedding for those previously sleeping on mud floors. They arrange for more hygienic housing away from the slums, even raising funds for building furnished new homes. This ministry also facilitates small loans with no interest, allowing families possibilities that they would not otherwise have.

Making jewelry out of recycled paper has become the most important income generating project for Caring Hands and the women involved. About 40 women have been trained in making beads out of recycled paper to make jewelry which is sent to markets around the world. This has given the women self-esteem, put a smile on their faces, and alleviated the struggles with poverty. The profits are used for various charitable activities.