Building and Restoring homes

Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” Mark 12: 43-44.

Assembling-Repairing-Homes

Restoring Dignity and Hope for Proscovia’s Family

At Save Sunshine Shelter Kids, we are committed to restoring dignity and security for families like Proscovia’s—families living in conditions no one should endure. Proscovia, a widow and mother of eight, shares a single, crumbling room with 12 family members. Basic needs like food, proper bedding, and shelter are far beyond their reach, turning everyday survival into a constant struggle.

During the COVID pandemic, we provided emergency food relief to Proscovia and other families in need. But no matter how much we tried, each visit to her home was heartbreaking. Her house, situated by a sewage stream, was falling apart. The children, sitting quietly with their hands on their chins, seemed lost in thought—wondering what tomorrow would bring. The day before we visited, heavy rains had destroyed what little was left of her home. The roof leaked, the walls bulged, and walking inside was like stepping into a flood zone.

Proscovia’s house, made from mud, reeds, and rusted iron sheets, offered no protection from the elements. Rain soaked everything inside, and a nearby overflowing latrine filled the air with a stench that made it impossible to eat. At 45, Proscovia had become the sole provider for her children and extended family after her husband’s death. Despite her strength, she lived in constant fear—fear for her children's health, their safety, and their future.

Amid these challenges, Proscovia’s resilience shines. Each day, she endures harsh conditions yet never wavers in her commitment to her family. The burden is heavy, but her love and determination drive her to keep going, even when resources are scarce. Her only hope is to provide her children with the chance for a healthier, safer life—one free from the fear and hardship she has endured. With a little help, Proscovia believes that a better future is possible.

Proscovia’s story reflects the harsh reality faced by many families here in Uganda. Cultural expectations often lead people to take in extended family members, even when they themselves have nothing to offer. Proscovia, living in the city, was seen as the one responsible for providing—yet her home was far from safe.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, Proscovia never lost hope. Her children, brimming with dreams of becoming doctors, pilots, and lawyers, would greet us with joy each time we delivered food. Their laughter and excitement, even amid such a dire situation, were both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

On one visit, we arrived to find her home flooded. The children stood on their two broken beds, trying to stay dry. The roof, already sagging, threatened to collapse. We knew something had to change. After fasting and praying, we reached out to friends and supporters, uncertain but determined to make a difference.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to rebuild Proscovia’s home. Today, she and her children no longer live in fear of the next rainstorm. They have a safe, secure place to sleep and the peace of mind that comes with it. The children can now focus on their dreams, no longer weighed down by the constant threat of disaster.

Proscovia’s story is just one among many, but it shows the profound impact that a secure home can have on a family. We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this possible. Together, we have given Proscovia’s family not just a home, but a future filled with hope. Thank you for helping us transform lives, one home at a time.

RESTY'S PIT LATRINE CONSTRUCTION.
"We Buried The Shame".

Resty's Journey: From Loss to Hope. Resty is a mother of five who lost her husband shortly after the birth of their youngest child, leaving her to shoulder the entire responsibility of raising her family. Life became incredibly difficult for her, as she had no job and had been staying home to care for her children. She is one of the mothers who has benefited from our food relief efforts and other essential support for her children.

During our visits, Resty shared the heartache of how the local community treated her after her husband’s sudden passing. In many places, when a woman’s husband dies unexpectedly, she is unfairly blamed and labeled as "cursed"—a stigma that Resty painfully experienced. Along with the overwhelming challenge of providing for her family, she faced humiliation, isolation, and shame.

But one of her greatest struggles was not having a pit latrine for her family. Without one, they had to rely on the kindness of neighbors to use their facilities, but this often led to embarrassment. When her children accidentally lost locks or made a mess, it intensified the scorn they received. The community laughed at them, and the shame became unbearable.

Resty confided in us, and together, we prayed for a solution. We knew we couldn’t just provide temporary relief—we needed to restore her dignity. Within a week, we were able to build a proper pit latrine for Resty and her family. Mark and Francis worked tirelessly to ensure the latrine was built with care, aligning with our core mission to provide families like Resty’s with not only safe homes but also basic necessities that restore their sense of worth.

Now, Resty and her children no longer have to endure the humiliation or hostile treatment from their neighbors. They have regained their dignity and are beginning to rebuild their lives, free from the shame that once defined them.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away"

Resty’s family, especially the children, was overwhelmed with gratitude and joy, realizing that God’s plans and hopes for them were far from over. This is the kind of hope we strive to share with the communities we serve, reminding the people we meet that God’s work is never finished until He fulfills His promises for families.

GERTRUDE'S EMPOWERMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY.
"A Comfort to heal the Wound".

SHE REARS PROJECT RESTORING HOPE TO UGANDA'S GREATEST RESOURCE " HER ELDERLY WOMEN" Jjaja Getrude is one of the most warm-hearted and grateful individuals we’ve had the privilege to serve. Her radiant smile and joyful demeanor can easily make you believe everything is fine—until you sit down and hear her story. The hardships she has endured are truly heartbreaking.

After the passing of her husband, who was her sole provider, her life took a devastating turn. Suddenly, she found herself not only responsible for her own survival but also for caring for her grandchildren. Despite her physical disability and the small plot of land left to her, Jjaja remained resilient, clinging to the hope that better days would come either for herself or her grandchildren.

Her suffering deepened when thieves stole her livestock—her only remaining source of security. This loss left her devastated, plunging her into deep misery and depression. Seeing her plight, we stepped in to provide food relief and financial support to help her make it through each day.

Later, the idea of helping her return to animal rearing emerged when we saw a pig being sold in her community. This was a way to help take her mind off the devastating loss of her cow. We knew that pigs, with their quick growth and ability to produce large litters, could offer a sustainable source of income. By selling the surplus piglets, Gertrude could support herself and keep others to continue breeding for the future.

Our goal was to empower Gertrude, giving her a chance to heal while also building a sustainable livelihood for herself and her grandchildren.Our goal was to empower Gertrude, giving her a chance to heal while also building a sustainable livelihood for herself and her grandchildren. By providing access to resources and guidance, we aimed to foster resilience and self-sufficiency, helping her regain stability in her life. Through this support, Gertrude can now focus on creating a brighter, more secure future for her family.We know we can't solve every problem at once, but we're grateful to take these first steps in helping Gertrude.

TEDDY'S SUSTAINABILITY JOURNEY

Meet Mama Teddy, a resilient single mother of five, who exemplifies the strength of hope and determination. We first met her when we found her son, Vincent, wandering the streets of Kampala, desperate and hungry. Recognizing the urgency of his situation, we immediately facilitated his resettlement, preventing him from falling into the cycle of street life.

With your support, we provided Teddy with essential resources to revitalize her garden, empowering her to feed her children sustainably. Today, she can nourish her family and only seeks assistance with school fees and medical expenses.
With your support, we provided Teddy with essential resources to revitalize her garden, empowering her to feed her children sustainably. Today, she can nourish her family, and she only seeks assistance with school fees and medical expenses. Her garden has become a lifeline, supplying fresh produce that not only sustains her family but also helps her save on daily costs. Each harvest represents a step toward independence and a brighter future. While Teddy still faces challenges, she is now able to dream of a life where her children can pursue an education and grow up healthy. Your support has truly transformed her journey, offering her both stability and hope for the road ahead.

Farm with a purpose

“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” - Proverbs 19:17

Teddy’s journey is a testament to resilience. She has raised her children alone, facing the immense challenge of food insecurity. Our intervention began with Vincent, whose longing for food drove him to the streets. Understanding Teddy’s struggles, we supplied her with food and conducted weekly check-ups, ensuring her children received the nourishment they needed.

Recognizing the critical role of farming, we committed to covering the costs necessary to clear and prepare Teddy’s garden. This project not only fosters self-sufficiency but also alleviates the financial burden of daily food purchases for her growing family. We continue to support Vincent’s education by covering school fees for him and his younger sister, striving to keep families united and thriving. Donate now to help families like Teddy's find hope and sustainability!

CESSPOOL EMPTYING PROGRAM

“We couldn’t let mothers, children, the elderly, and the communities suffer when we could do something about the pit latrines.”

Access to sanitation is a fundamental right, yet many mothers and children in our communities suffer due to inadequate facilities. Poor sanitation has resulted in countless tragedies, particularly among vulnerable populations. Upon discovering the dire state of pit latrines in various communities, we recognized the need for immediate action. Unsafe facilities not only endanger health but also impact the dignity and well-being of families. By addressing this critical issue, we hope to protect vulnerable lives and foster a safer, healthier environment for all. Together, we can make lasting improvements that uphold the rights and dignity of every community member.

Our mission began with community advocacy and awareness meetings to address the sanitation crisis.

Initially met with skepticism from landlords, we spent two months fostering trust and collaboration with community leaders. This groundwork laid the foundation for our cesspool emptying initiative, ensuring clean and safe latrines for families.

Surprisingly, we found many areas lacking even basic pit latrines. In response, we constructed eight new facilities in high-need communities, improving hygiene and health for countless mothers and children. As a result, many families have expressed profound gratitude for the positive change in their living conditions.

The relationship between affordable housing and sanitation is stark: the cheaper the accommodations, the worse the pit latrines. Our journey began with the challenging task of establishing community advocacy and awareness meetings to address the dire sanitation situation in various neighborhoods. Ensuring the health and well-being of mothers and children became our primary focus.

Initially, we faced resistance from landlords who, often lacking education, misconstrued our intentions as threats to their property. It took us two months of building trust and fostering dialogue with local leaders and counselors to align our goals and initiate cesspool emptying for the existing pit latrines. We also identified areas urgently in need of new facilities and we worked fr months on ensuring that most of the pit latrines are safe and proper for people to use.

To our surprise, we discovered that many neighborhoods lacked any pit latrines altogether. Recognizing this gap, we implemented measures to construct new facilities, which required collaboration with landlords to ensure reduced rent for mothers benefiting from our support. By mobilizing community members and their leaders, we facilitated a cooperative approach to improving sanitation, allowing residents to take an active role in their development.

So far, we have improved and renovated numerous pit latrines across various communities, successfully installing eight new ones in areas we serve. This effort has significantly eased the lives of both children and mothers, who have expressed deep gratitude for the improvements in hygiene and sanitation. We remain dedicated to maintaining and expanding our pit latrine program, as many communities still face urgent needs.

Rebuilding Maria’s Workspace: Empowering Women Against the Odds Her Disability Doesn’t Define Her Strength!

We proudly supported Maria, a resilient woman living with a disability, by providing her with essential food supplies and rebuilding her small business space. Despite the challenges she faces, Maria is determined to attain independence, and we are here to help her every step of the way.

Our team worked tirelessly to construct a sturdy business room for Maria, shielding her from the elements and creating a safe environment where she can thrive. This achievement not only marks a fresh start for her business but also serves as a powerful statement against the stigma she endures. We take great joy in witnessing the transformative impact of providing the right resources to women striving for independence. By recognizing their autonomy and understanding both their strengths and challenges, we empower women like Maria to set meaningful goals for themselves. Our role is to support her in achieving those aspirations, and we are proud to fulfill that mission by rebuilding her small shop area. Our hope is to build her a permanent home with a dedicated workspace outside to make iteasier for her.

Together, we can accomplish so much more and turn the impossible into the possible for women like Maria. Our mission goes beyond simply providing assistance; it’s about being the voice for those who suffer in silence and often face discrimination due to their disabilities.

Maria continues to run her business with renewed hope and mobility thanks to her wheelchair, which makes her daily tasks much easier. We aspire to bless as many women as Maria, as they embody the love of God and inspire us to fulfill our calling.

empower Our ultimate goal is to change lives for the better and spread the message of hope and empowerment. Together, we can make a profound impact! Every contribution helps create lasting change, bringing stability and opportunity to those in need. By uplifting individuals and families, we foster resilience and open doors to brighter futures. Your support not only meets immediate needs but also builds a foundation for sustainable growth and self-sufficiency. Join us as we work to transform one life at a time.

BED A FAMILY

"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done." - Proverbs 19:17

Through our Bed A Family program, we were able to provide two bunk beds and essential sleeping supplies, including mattresses and bed sheets, for Diane and her seven children, two of whom are battling a serious illness. Thanks to our generous supporters, we were able to deliver the much-needed bedding for their family and extend our efforts to provide mattresses to other families in need. These simple yet essential items offer comfort and security, allowing children and parents to rest peacefully. A warm, safe place to sleep can make a profound difference in their daily lives, giving them the strength to face each day with renewed energy. As we continue to support families, we are reminded that small acts of kindness have lasting impacts. Together, we are creating a foundation of care and stability for those who need it most

We firmly believe that God's love nurtures true resilience and strength in the face of adversity. It is our priority to share His Word and hope in Christ with underserved communities. By turning to the Bible, grandmothers, single mothers, and widows caring for vulnerable children in their communities find comfort and empowerment to lead purposeful lives. We involve the community in our initiatives to help prevent more children from ending up on the streets of Kampala.

We are immensely grateful to one of our friends who provided not only mattresses but also complete sleeping essentials such as bunk beds, bed sheets, towels, and everything necessary for the family. Diane, a devoted mother of three children with sickle cell disease, faces the immense challenge of providing for her kids while constantly being by their side in the hospital due to their frequent pain crises.