In May 2026, Andy Pemberton will journey to the top of Mt. Everest to bring visibility and support to Nepal’s most vulnerable families.

Andy's Journey

NIVAS board member, Andy Pemberton, is no stranger to monumental challenges. Long-time mountaineer, Andy summited Ama Dablam in 2022. During that time he grew a deep connection to the people of Nepal as well as a passion for Mount Everest. Andy worked for decades in Media, so to him the connection was obvious - a highly visible endeavor can be used to bring attention and support to some of the world’s most underserved and invisible families.

The connection between his life and this climb is rooted in the very purpose of NIVAS. He believes that a physical home is a sanctuary—a place of safety and stability. For the mothers and children in Nepal, a secure house isn't just a shelter; it's a lifeline. It’s a place where a child can grow and a mother can raise a family without the constant fear of being displaced. It's the difference between merely surviving and truly thriving.

“The mountains are iconic, but it’s the people that touched my soul. Helping single women and their families overcome hardship and poverty is my way of honoring a country I admire and giving back in a meaningful way.” - Andy Pemberton

The Need

Nepal is known for its spectacular mountains, vibrant culture, and the generosity of its people. Yet beyond the beauty and kindness lies a hard truth: too many women and children in Nepal are experiencing severe poverty, homelessness and housing insecurity.

Without a safe place to call home, women and children have a heightened risk of domestic violence, human trafficking, and child marriage, as well as poor educational and financial outcomes, driving a vicious cycle of poverty.

NIVAS is helping families find dignity, security, and strength through the process of becoming homeowners. By securing land rights and working with the surrounding community to develop safe, longterm, disaster-resilient homes, moms are building stability and prosperity for themselves and their children. Learn more about NIVAS at nivas-built.org.

Join In

Be part of the climb that truly matters. Give today to help single mothers in Nepal build safe, resilient homes — every dollar goes directly to the people who need it most. Your support of Project Ascend will change lives, whether or not Andy reaches the summit. Every step of this journey is about elevating families into safe, dignified homes — and that impact is guaranteed.

All donations go directly to providing:

LAND ACQUISITION SUPPORT
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
SKILLED CONSTRUCTION CREW
INCOME GENERATION SUPPORT
ON-THE-JOB TRAINING
INDIGENOUS LAND RIGHTS
IN-NEED FAMILY IDENTIFICATION
DISASTER-RESILIENT DESIGN

100% of funding raised will go directly to programs in Nepal. Andy is covering all of his own expedition costs, ensuring that every dollar raised goes directly where it is needed most.

NIVAS is a US501c3 organization. Your donation is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

EIN 46-3976971

Project-Ascend

Elevating lives in Nepal.

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Team Members