DESPAIR TO HOPE.

On April 23, 2024, the skies over Kwa Mang'eli opened up with torrential El Niño rains, unleashing a force of nature that instantly changed lives. The raging flash floods tore through the community, leaving countless families in despair. Among them was Agnes, a widow and mother of two known for her dressmaking skills as a tailor and her unwavering spirit. The situation was dire, and the need for immediate support was palpable.

The floods hit Agnes hard. Her modest home was destroyed, along with her belongings, vital personal documents, and fabrics for her dressmaking business—her only source of income. In an instant, everything Agnes had worked so hard to build was gone. Her husband had just passed away a month prior, and she had nowhere to turn. She sought refuge at her local church, AIC Macedonia in Athi River. Pastor Justus, moved by her plight and that of other families, opened the church doors.

GAP answered this pastor's prayer for tangible help and resources. GAP friends, your support has been incredible. When disaster struck, you responded, restoring hope through practical help for families like Agnes's. We quickly provided essentials — mattresses, bedding, food, and clothing — for families in need. For Agnes and 19 other families who had lost almost everything, GAP didn't just give temporary relief; you gave them a fresh start. By covering three months' rent, these families had a safe place to stay as they began rebuilding. 95% of these families are back on their feet and fully engaged in their community and church.

For Agnes, her sewing equipment was repairable. Still, she needed seed capital to purchase fabrics and pay for the business space to restart her business. Today, she's back to her craft, sewing clothes, and hopeful for the future. "If not for GAP," Agnes shares with a heartfelt smile, we'd still be struggling, with nowhere to turn."

This story doesn't end with Agnes. GAP's presence and support in City Carton, Jam City, and Kwa Mang'eli informal settlements are ongoing. Many in this community depend on manual jobs like construction and walk far, often without success. We have identified several families that are ready and skilled to restart or start a small business. $100 to $125 is often enough to start a vegetable business, roadside cooking station, shoe shining, second-hand store, and more. Rebuilding is a process, and your continued support is what makes our work possible.GAP friends, your support changes despair into hope.

 Every Contribution big and small, transforms lives. (2024).