HOPE International (HOPE) is a Christian faith-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on alleviating physical and spiritual poverty through microenterprise development.
HOPE ministers to the poor in over a dozen countries, working in the hard places and thriving there. HOPE’s microfinance programs offer a sustainable alternative to the short-term forms of charity that have often left a wake of disempowerment in developing countries. Microfinance isn’t a hand-out but a hand up. It demands ownership and active participation from the beneficiaries of the intervention. Microloan recipients can take pride in knowing that their own hard work has made the difference between poverty and provision.
HOPE practices a holistic approach to poverty alleviation. Microcredit and basic business training enable individuals to build businesses and break free from physical poverty. Clients find that their increased income enables them to provide more nutritious and regular meals as well as improved housing and education for their children. But HOPE isn’t only concerned with physical poverty. Christ-following loan officers share the hope of the Gospel in the context of relationships, ministering to spiritual poverty as well.
In 10 years of operations, HOPE has never returned profits from any of its microfinance programs to the United States. When a program becomes profitable, HOPE invests the money in further program growth and in community initiatives such as Christ-centered children’s ministries or complimentary healthcare. HOPE’s programs are highly successful, boasting a historical repayment rate of 96 percent, and highly leveraged. These high repayment rates coupled with HOPE’s commitment to stewardship ensure that every donor dollar is maximized.
Central Baptist Church is located in Harare, Zimbabwe, the capitol city.
