Several years ago, the family's accomodations were unimaginably basic. Flooding destroyed this location, and they were forced to move. With support from Friends of Steven, they are able to live in a home. The home they moved to, while an improvement, was still too small, had flooding problems, and no running water. Last week, after an electrical fire left them without electricity, Friends of Steven rallied once again and raised the funds to move them to a larger home with plumbing, electricity, better access to schools, markets, New Destiny and Gasogi. We hope to see them moved in the next few weeks. his will mean an increase in the monthly rent, but safe, stable housing for this family are crucial.

The impact of rising food prices hits families like Steven’s the hardest.  With more than half the family budget dedicated to basic food purchases, a doubling in price of basic commodities like maize, rice and oil simply means halving the amount purchased - with devastating consequences. Without support, Steven’s household only manages to eat one or two meals a day. With our support, food is healthier and more plentiful.

We are happy to have raised the funds to purchase the family a motorbike that Steven and his Providence can use to get to the various projects each day. They had been spending a lot of time walking, or money on paying for rides. This improves their budget, but still does not meet all of their mobility needs.

HOW WE ARE HELPING
Friends of Steven in the USA and UK hope to raise monthly support of $1650. $450 covers the rent, $1,050 enables the family to eat more than one meal a day and put some money towards medical costs and school fees that are beyond their own monthly budget, and $150 (10%) covers our administrative costs.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
We are looking to raise funds for a more sustainable lifestyle for Steven and his family.  To this end we are working on three projects:

1. Permanent Housing Solution
At current rents, Steven’s housing needs will be $63,000 over the next 15 years (without calculating for inflation).  The alternative is to look at investing a similar amount in the construction of a family home that the family would own.  The estimated cost is $73,000. This would provide security and stability for the family and reduce their cost of living.

2. Regular Household Income
Most Rwandans shop at small corner general stores. We would like to help the household establish and staff such a store. This will generate a much greater income for the household. In order for the supermarket to be successful it will require an investment of $15,000 to secure a central location, cover rent for three months and buy initial stock. While this is a potentially risky venture, as all businesses are, it could sustain the household for years, even decades.

3. Transport Solution
Public transport is another significant factor in the family's monthly budget. While they do have a motorcycle, it can only carry two people at once. It would cost $10,000 to purchase them their own minivan. With a family of 28, they could really use a school bus!

To give to Steven's family, people in the UK can go to our homepage and use the donate button. U.S. donors can make checks out to: "Go the Second Mile," designate the check for "Friends of Steven" and mail it to 14800 First Avenue NE, Shoreline WA 98155.