Photo to be provided by Jerry

What makes Hope Projects different from other charities?

 

Lots of things! Some of what makes us different is highlighted in our goals:

 

We believe that your donations should be used how you want them to be used. You choose a means of contributing, and we ensure that 100% of your donation goes to the project of your choosing.

 

We only help those who are anxious to help themselves and we make sure we maintain the integrity of the villages, rather than imposing our own ways on them. When we provide the materials, the villagers are eager to put in the work to build and maintain the structures. 

 

We focus on helping the villages become self-sufficient. We're not interested in just giving them the resources to temporarily make their situation better; we are wholly invested in helping them learn skills so they can pull themselves out of poverty and flourish as a society. We stay with the villages for four years to make sure we are making lasting changes.

 

What kinds of donations are needed right now?

 

It's important to us that you donate in the way you want to, so we encourage you to choose a cause that speaks to you and we'll honor your choice! If you're unsure what might be most useful but would still like to make a difference, we've included a little section in blue at the top of our project list where we'll highlight a few urgent needs. Otherwise, please email us at info@hope-projects.org with an idea of how much you'd like to contribute, and we'll be happy to suggest some current needs of the villages we're working with.

 

What prevents villages from slipping into their old ways once you've left?

 

Firstly, it's important to note that we don't help a village who isn't interested in creating long lasting changes for its members. Not only are the people enthusiastic about making advancements, but their incredibly hardworking disposition helps them invest in building, using, and maintaining the projects, skills, and knowledge that we provide. 

 

We work with the villages for four years to make sure they are learning what they need to sustain the changes, and their desire to work hard and improve keeps them from going back to how things were. Additionally, we visit each village periodically to ensure that the animals are being cared for and the projects are being maintained.

 

 

How can I know which animals or vegetables are best suited to the climate of the villages?

 

We've been helping people in the Andes mountains for nearly two decades now, so we've become well acquainted with its unique climate and high altitude. The options you see here on our website or in our catalog are those that do particularly well under the conditions of the villages.

 

How is it possible that 100% of my donation directly benefits the people?

 

At the beginning of its organization, Hope Projects' founder was able to use personal funds to set up multiple sources of income for the charity. This money, generated from outside organizations, is what perpetually pays for all of the overhead costs of the charity. By design, the charity ensures that every dime you donate goes directly to the cause that was intended.

 

Why don't you help people in your own communities?

 

We do! So far, we've had the privilege working across three different continents as we continue to spread hope and save lives. One of our most recent projects was done in Arizona (where many of our donors live). We were able to provide nearly 15,000 pounds of fruits to the United Food and Orphanage Bank. For more details regarding the good we are doing locally and worldwide, feel free to contact Jerry.

 

How often are trips organized to visit the villages?

 

Expeditions are made in mid-June of each year for Hope Projects donors who are interested in seeing the impact of their donation as well as encouraging the village's progress. Other trips are made by Dr. Jerry Simons throughout the year, but these are for visiting new villages who want to be included in our program or to check up on existing projects.

 

What is the minimum age you recommend for children going on an expedition?

 

The youngest we have taken on an expedition is 8 and the oldest is 82. You know your child best - some younger than 8 will be bored with the traveling, but others may totally enjoy the experience. Young people are a great addition to our expeditions and we welcome their company.

 

What is tax deductible?

 

Every donation is tax deductible as a charitable contribution, including the expedition to Peru. The side trip to the Machu Picchu ruins, however, is not considered tax deductible.

 

I have some skills and I'd like to get involved. Can you use technical people?

 

There are so many ways to get involved. Please email us at drjerrysimons@gmail.com describing your skills and we will share with you a way that you can help.