GIFT IN KIND RECEIPT LINK: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VE3ys35RiKd9qPTyHgZ5KBJHuOge8l5v/view?usp=sharing

WHAT IS HAPPENING?

In short, unbelievably high numbers of youth are enduring sexual assault, and a rapidly increasing number are being exploited for sex trafficking.

Why is it happening? Several major factors contribute to the vulnerability of youth in this region. Oaxaca is the second least educated and second most impoverished state in Mexico. With the majority of homes being fatherless, many single moms are left carrying the full financial load for their families. Due to residents having only eight years of education on average, earning potential is low. With tourism being the primary industry, most go to work in hospitality or customer service with very late evening hours. As a result, kids are often left unattended, and in many cases, in houses without doors or windows, a vulnerability that continues to lead to exploitation.

Growing up without a father, many young girls look to a boy to be their source and provider, leaving school and getting pregnant at an early age, only to then be left to provide for their family alone.

On top of all this, another issue grows. As tourism skyrockets in Puerto Escondido, the stories of sex trafficking are sadly doing the same.

WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?

With a problem so pervasive, two things commonly take place. One, it is assumed something is already being done about it, even when it is untrue as it is in this case. The second common response is paralysis as the amount of work to be done and the cost of the solution overwhelms those wanting to help.

Neither of these responses is an option. Someone has to do something about this now. Would you please be one of those founding members who brings hope for today and hope for tomorrow?

Hope Homes, in partnership with The English Advantage, is working to bring an unprecedented solution to this region, providing children in Puerto Escondido with a safe and secure environment today while equipping them with an advantage for tomorrow through English proficiency.

WHAT WILL IT TAKE?

Together, these two organizations are purchasing a property that, once fully constructed, will feature a 2.4-acre property located just north of the airport with a fully secure perimeter, a central multi-purpose area with an attached kitchen (for meals, recitals, performances, and larger gatherings), and three two-story dormitories providing bedrooms but also communal areas for play, recreation, and a dignified living experience, a pool, multipurpose basketball and sports courts, and classrooms for teaching English, music, dance, and more. The location will also be beautifully landscaped to create a hospitable environment for those who are growing up there. The total project is estimated at 6.5 million dollars. For the purchase of the property and the first phase of construction, to be completed in 2025, the estimated cost is between $2,500,000 and $3,000,000. Phase one will include the secure perimeter, the central communal pavilion and kitchen, and one two-story dormitory constructed (which will include dedicated classrooms for The English Advantage).

WHY ARE WE WORKING TOGETHER?

If you do not have a safe place today, you'll not only lack hope for today but also hope for tomorrow. Even if resources are made available, without a safe place to thrive today, you'll struggle to think beyond today. At the same time, if you have a safe place today but no belief that there is something that you can do to change the course of your life, you'll lack hope. A true solution must be one that brings hope for today and hope for tomorrow, and that is exactly what Hope Homes and The English Advantage accomplish together!

Hope Homes has filed as a 501(c)(3) and is awaiting its confirmation. The English Advantage has been awarded its 501(c)(3) status, however, we are waiting to receive its official confirmation letter. Therefore, to assure givers that all gifts are tax-deductible, Revolution Church has agreed to sponsor this fundraiser and grant 100% of the earnings of this campaign to Hope Homes and the English Advantage.

We'd love for you to come, and please invite your friends to join you. You can spread the word by clicking the "share fundraiser" button on the gala landing page!

Hope Homes International Website: https://hopehomesinternational.com
The English Advantage Website: https://www.englishadvantage.org/

Golden Apple 8" X 10" Multimedia (Original Artwork by Marco Rodriguez)