Our Causes

1. Elderly and Vulnerable Dependents

HTFF is making a significant impact by providing financial support to 104 elderly individuals and their dependent children in Ethiopia with no income or support. These elders have shelters and need financial assistance for food, medical support, clothing, and other basic needs.

Why Support the Elderly?

“Do not cast me off in the time of old age; Do not forsake me when my strength fails.” Psalms 71:9

The elderly hold a special place in our hearts as custodians of tradition, culture, and boundless love. However, in Ethiopia, their plight is often overlooked due to systemic challenges:

  • Limited Retirement Programs:
    • Ethiopia’s retirement system primarily benefits those who worked in government offices. Many elderly people, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, lack this safety net.
  • Deep Poverty:
    • The country’s widespread poverty exacerbates the situation. Elderly individuals find themselves without family support, struggling to meet basic needs.
  • Loss of Children to HIV/AIDS:
    • Tragically, some elders have lost their children to HIV/AIDS. Bereft of family, they face immense hardship.
  • Selfless Caregivers:
    • Some elders selflessly care for grandchildren or other relatives. Their sacrifices often go unnoticed.
  • Forgotten and Suffering:
    • These forgotten souls endure malnutrition, illness, and deprivation. Their energy wanes, preventing them from laboring or begging.
  • Shelters and Basic Needs:
    • Despite having shelters, they lack essentials like food, medical care, and clothing.

Dignified Life for the Elderly

Due to the absence of an organized system in the country to care for those who cannot look after themselves due to old age or poor health conditions, elderly individuals without families lead isolated and disheartening lives in Ethiopia. The association firmly believes that society should prioritize the well-being of its elders, recognizing their contributions to the country’s growth, development, and the shaping of the current generation.

Furthermore, the association holds the belief that given the opportunity, elders can continue to contribute meaningfully to society. With this conviction, the association provides the following support to the elderly:

  • Monthly Food Allowance: Ensuring that basic nutritional needs are met.
  • Material and Medical Support: Assisting with essential supplies and healthcare.
  • Moral Support: Organizing monthly get-togethers to combat isolation.
  • Home Visits: Checking on their well-being and providing companionship.
  • Funeral Facilitation: Ensuring dignified final rites for those who pass away.

How We Operate

Donations are collected and deposited into the ‘Help The Forgotten Foundation’ account at Wells Fargo Bank, NA (account #8305638929). These funds are then wired to our local partners (non-profit associations) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Since August 1, 2020, HTFF has established a partnership with the local NGO, Abune Zena Markos, in Addis Ababa. As per the agreement between the two NGOs, we have initiated the transfer of funds. The allocated amount covers monthly allowances, sanitation materials, clothing, monthly lunches, and social activities for the selected elderly and vulnerable children in Ethiopia.

Abune Zena Markos handles the distribution of funds monthly. They closely monitor any changes in the recipients’ status and propose replacements, if necessary, based on the program’s predefined criteria. For those unable to travel to the center due to illness or disabilities, the organization ensures that the funds reach the elderly shelter directly. Additionally, Abune Zena Markos provides a comprehensive report on each elder and their children every four months.

By offering these services, the association aims to restore dignity and improve the quality of life for Ethiopia’s elderly population. 

2. HTFF’s Support for Orphans under P2P

Through the HTFF, we have sponsored ten orphans who tragically lost their parents due to HIV/AIDS. Our partnership extends to People to People Aid Organization, Canada, Inc (P2P), a remarkable organization with a strong community base. Over the years, P2P has been a lifeline for hundreds of orphans and vulnerable children in Ethiopia.

Here’s how P2P’s unwavering commitment has made a difference:

  • Essential Support: P2P provides critical assistance, including food, shelter, and medical care, ensuring that these children not only survive but also thrive in their educational journey.
  • Positive Spirit: Cultural events sponsored by P2P uplift the children’s spirits, fostering a sense of community and positivity.
  • Educational Empowerment: P2P’s dedication extends to educational services, benefiting over two thousand children. Education is a powerful tool that opens doors to a brighter future.

Together, HTFF and P2P are weaving a safety net for those who need it most, ensuring that no child is left behind.

3. Orphanage at Shenkora Yohannes

A Second Chance for Forgotten Children!

At Shenkora Yohannes, nestled just 2 hours away from Addis Ababa, we are driven by a powerful motivation: to provide forgotten children with a renewed lease on life. Through the collaborative efforts of HTFF and the Niku Yeneseha Merkeb Association, we have embarked on a significant endeavor—the construction of a shelter capable of accommodating up to 100 orphans and elderly individuals.

Our approach is rooted in community-based family-style housing, where children live and play together in a nurturing environment. Our dedicated team of trained, experienced, and educated caregivers and elderly mothers ensures that these children find solace, care, and companionship.

Shenkora Orphanage serves as a safe harbor for those in the most fragile stages of infancy and early childhood. Here, they can heal, grow, and experience genuine love. Our holistic services encompass not only basic human needs but also a comprehensive range of support:

  • Food: Nourishment for their bodies.
  • Clothing: Comfort and protection.
  • Schooling / Education: A pathway to knowledge.
  • Education facilities: Spaces for learning and exploration.
  • Library and Tutorial Class: Intellectual enrichment.
  • Medication: Health and well-being.
  • Life Skill Training: Empowerment for the future.
  • Individual and Group Counseling: Emotional support.
  • Entertainment: Joy and recreation.
  • Recreation: Play and laughter.

Together, we create a haven where these forgotten children can thrive, dream, and build brighter tomorrows.

4. Emergency Relief

We provide one-time financial support to various areas impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, drought, fire, war (displaced families), and natural disasters.

 HTFF plays a vital role in alleviating their suffering. Your compassionate efforts make a tangible difference in their lives. Together, we strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who need it most!