It’s a beautiful story. We are a group of passionate people who have been inspired by our friends in Africa, friends who face unbearable challenges from the HIV/AIDS and water crises. We creatively and thoughtfully raise awareness and the necessary funds for the provision of clean blood and clean water in sub-Saharan Africa.
Founded by the multi-platinum, GRAMMY Award-winning band, Jars of Clay, Blood:Water Mission began as a call to personalize the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa. The members of the band were committed to share the stories that were not covered in the media: those of creative, compassionate, hard-working Africans bringing health, hope and healing in their respective communities.
As a result, Blood:Water Mission launched The 1000 Wells Project, a nation-wide effort to raise enough money to provide clean water and sanitation to 1000 communities in sub-Saharan Africa. In a place where $1 provides one African with clean water for an entire year, The 1000 Wells Project’s focus is to simply ask for $1 from each person.
Since its launch in 2005, Blood:Water Mission has raised millions of dollars from individuals giving $1 each, and from others giving more than a dollar. We have partnered with more than 300 communities in Africa, providing life-saving water for over 250,000 people. We expect to serve another 350 communities in 2008.
It’s a beautiful story: Village leaders have the resources and training to bring clean water, sanitation and healthcare into their communities. Stomach aches, skin diseases and diarrhea have disappeared. Women and children no longer walk several miles a day to carry filthy water. Those with HIV are living longer, stronger lives.
Blood:Water's Work on the Ground
Wells represent one of the most sustainable solutions for clean water supply. Shallow ground water allows wells to be drilled at an average cost of $4,000 per well and each well can easily serve 200 to 300 families. But sustainable water requires more than just a hole in the ground. Community ownership and responsibility are a key component. Communities are empowered through water committees equipped with basic operation and maintenance training and assisted in establishing cost recovery systems for future repairs of the hand pump. Blood:Water Mission has funded 222 Wells, 55 Rainwater Catchment projects and 141 BioSand Filtration projects to date.
Next to clean water, lack of access to sanitation is one of the largest challenges facing the developing world and is contributing significantly to diarrhea prevalence in rural communities. Providing carefully designed pit latrines that reduce odor and flies can greatly encourage communities to utilize latrines, reducing open defecation and associated illnesses. Where latrines are implemented alongside clean water and hygiene, disease in a community can be reduced by an incredible 65%. Blood:Water Mission has funded 48 Latrine Projects.