Brazil - Open Hands Phase II
‘Taking the individual out of the slum ...
... and the slum out of the individual.’
Imagine ... being given the chance to move your family from a shack in a slum into a brick house with a garden
Imagine ... not worrying if the next storm will wash your home away
Imagine ... being given help to find a job and support to raise your children
Imagine ... children being given the chance to grow up in an environment free from drug dealers and abuse, in safety and freedom
Imagine ... lives transformed
Despite Brazil being a wealthy country, for people living in the favelas around affluent towns and cities, poverty abounds. The Football World Cup of 2014 and the Olympics 2016 may focus attention on this vibrant country, but the reality for those living in the slums is a world apart. Corruption at all levels of government, violence in the police force, rising unemployment and food and electricity prices doubling since 2015, all add to pressures on the poorest people.
Open Hands Phase II is a development of 8 homes for families in a secure gated community. Families will rent their homes and will be given support and opportunities to turn their lives around. After 5 years, their rent money will be returned to them and be used as a deposit on a permanent home of their own. Then another family can be given the chance of a fresh start.
Work started in October 2015 on the perimeter wall, where enthusiastic teams worked hard to dig and lay foundations and help lay bricks too. Once foundations are dug for the homes, they are quick to construct using locally made bricks. Each three bedroom house costs around £7,000 in materials.
Every donation helps to make this dream a reality for families to transform their lives, gain self-respect and confidence, all with the support of people who want to share the love of the Lord while following His calling.
The in-country team leaders arrived last week and are preparing for the arrival of the 2 autumn teams (Amy, Kat & Amy are part of the first team).
Since last year's teams were there, Mission Direct's Brazilian partners Maos Abertas have made progress. The site has had an extensive network of drainage pipes instealled, retaining walls built (some of this done by the autumn 2015 MD teams) and it has been completely levelled. The shell of the first house has been finished and the roof is on. The foundations on the second house are awaiting the arrival of this year's first team - and they will also be working on the interior of the first house.
