Our Story

It all started with a simple request for water.

In 2010, while filming Lost in Africa in Kibera (Africa's largest informal settlement), Connie Nielsen spent several months immersed in the community. One day, a community member asked if she could help bring clean water to their neighborhood. That simple request became a promise that would change thousands of lives.

When Connie returned home, she shared her vision with builder and clean technology expert David Warner. Together, they realized that clean water alone would not solve the challenges families faced every day. Without sanitation, reliable energy, education, employment opportunities, and access to financial services, poverty would continue to persist. They envisioned something different: a community center where life's essential services could be found in one place, giving people not only access to basic necessities, but the opportunity to build a better future.

That vision became the Human Needs Project.

Today, thanks to an extraordinary community of donors, partners, volunteers, and supporters, Human Needs Project has delivered more than 326 million liters of clean water, created access to sanitation, education, job training, urban farming, renewable energy, and economic opportunity, and improved the lives of more than 100,000 residents in Kibera.

Every milestone has been possible because people like you chose to believe that lasting change begins with opportunity.

On October 15, we invite you to help write the next chapter of this story.

www.humanneedsproject.org

2026 HNP Annual Benefit

Join us for Human Needs Project's annual benefit and help expand access to clean water, education, and opportunity in Kibera, Africa's largest slum.