Crisis Intervention
Living in abject poverty causes a single mother to have chronic stress from physical deprivation, social exclusion or isolation, and limited life opportunities for her children and herself. The families we help are in desperate need of basic necessities such as food, a bed, rent, medical treatment, and/or repairs to the home.
Restoring Hope - Small Steps
Mosquito Nets
Tanzania is among the ten countries in the world with the highest rates of malaria cases and deaths. Each year, an estimated 10% of people in rural Tanzania are infected, and all Tanzanians remain at risk. A simple mosquito net can provide life-saving protection, helping keep families healthy.
Mattresses & Bedframes
During initial home visits, we often find families sleeping on woven mats on dirt floors because they cannot afford a mattress or bed frame. Providing these essentials immediately improves health and restores a sense of dignity and hope. Children entering secondary school are also required to bring a twin mattress and bedding for their dormitory.
Nutrition & Hygiene
Many families face food insecurity due to extreme poverty, often eating only one or two meals per day, which leads to malnutrition for all family members. We provide emergency food support from our bulk pantry and encourage families to include fresh, affordable produce such as carrots, tomatoes, and leafy greens (like spinach and local mchicha varieties). We also provide essential hygiene education to help keep homes safe. Good hygiene supports children’s health and ensures they can attend school in clean uniforms.
Cooking Equipment
During initial home visits, we sometimes find families without even the most basic cooking supplies. Some are cooking over open fires on the ground because they do not have a simple charcoal stove (jiko), pots, or utensils. We provide essential cooking equipment so families can safely prepare meals for their children.
Medical Care
We help families access medical treatment and/or purchase medicine when needed. Through our Maisha Matters program, caregivers participate in 9–12 months of training covering essential topics, including nutrition, first aid, recognizing when medical attention is needed, and knowing where to seek help.
Rent or Home Repairs
Some families need short-term support with rent or basic home repairs as they begin their journey toward stability. In times of crisis, families may be at risk of losing their shelter, sometimes within days, making it difficult to care for their children or plan for the future. Temporary assistance helps provide stability, allowing caregivers to focus on rebuilding their lives and working toward self-sufficiency.