Since 2023, the JAX Chapter of HOPE worldwide, HOPEww Ecuador and the JAX Church (Jacksonville, FL) have partnered to participate in the Worthy Bathroom Program in Cunyuaco, Ecuador. We invite participants to join us for the August 2027 edition when a team of volunteers will construct bathrooms for indigenous families in this mountainous region.
Previously, since 2022, HOPEww Volunteer Corp (HVC) helped to build a greenhouse, a patio, and a school library for the community center. Students learn how to grow fresh vegetables which are served at the school lunch and the noticeable nutritional impact is evident, benefiting the children’s overall health, learning ability, and appearance. Poverty is present in the community with families only making about $12-15 per week.
To date, the Worthy Bathroom Program has completed 80 bathrooms and there are 57 remaining to construct. The average cost of materials for each is $400 and donations are welcome. HOPE JAX raises approximately $4,000 plus private donations annually to support construction funds.
Each site has a maestro (local skilled supervisor) and workers participate with the families in the building process. Homes are block construction with dirt floors and the bathrooms will include a toilet, sink, shower and concrete floor to improve health and hygiene. There is some electricity, propane gas, heat pumps, and running water available. Volunteers educate the families with proper hygiene practices like hand washing and proper waste disposal.
The climate is often very cold, windy, and rainy as this community is located at 16,000 feet elevation within a volcanic mountain called Chimborazo. When measured from sea level, Chimborazo is about 8,500 feet shorter than Everest at 20,548 feet (6,263 meters). Yet, its peak is actually 6,800 feet farther from earth’s center, making it the closest point on earth to the stars. (Wikipedia).
An encouraging story is a young lady who was identified with a severe breathing issue that required nasal surgery. Independently, some volunteers engaged with her and assisted with payment for her surgery. After healing, she enrolled in cosmetology & hairdressing school with additional separate funds raised. She graduated and now helps to support her family as her dad was tragically killed in a road accident. Her family is extremely grateful and speaks to the love and generosity of others.
The program
The basic itinerary is a travel day to Quito to acclimate to the altitude. On Saturday, we continue to acclimate in the morning, followed by a local tour in the afternoon and on to Ambato, our base hotel. On Sunday, we worship and share lunch with the Ambato church.
Construction occurs Monday through Saturday with a return to the USA on Sunday. We build in a recovery day on Wednesday and that evening will worship with the Ambato church. Evening meals are a real treat at the Corvis restaurant with a family who prepares amazing meals. Our engagement with the churches and disciples in Quito and Ambato has been a great encouragement to all who have participated. This is a wonderful opportunity to build relationships with the mountain community which is obvious by the warm welcome we receive each year. HOPEww Ecuador are generous hosts and each trip has gone very smoothly. The heart changes and perspective gained makes it a genuine and inspiring experience to participate in.
We’d love you to join us in August 2027 and details will be available soon. The estimated total cost is $2,200 which covers the airfare, housing, meals, transportation, and medical insurance (personal incidentals are your responsibility). You’ll need a current passport and complete a health questionnaire.
Please contact us to be included with further notifications and direct any questions to HOPEww JAX Chapter Director, Jim Mackie at 904-477-9291 or [email protected].
