About Us

Help the Forgotten Foundation (HTFF) is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt non-profit organization established in 2020 to bring hope to the forgotten, helpless, and weak elderly population in Ethiopia and their vulnerable children by providing financial support.

We are dedicated to preventing homelessness and malnutrition by all possible means. Through our efforts, we aim to provide essential aid, sustenance, and care to those who are vulnerable and often forgotten.

How the Pandemic Expanded Our Mission

Our family started supporting the elderly and their dependents in Ethiopia with no income in 2003. In late 2019, we embarked on the journey of establishing Help the Forgotten Foundation (HTFF), successfully obtaining our 501(3) tax-exempt non-profit status in April 2020. 

Our mission is deeply rooted in a profound desire to assist the elderly and their dependents in Ethiopia. The foundation envisions a society where the elderly and children can lead dignified lives within their communities and contribute to the development of society. 

We view the elderly as a national treasure, as they impart our traditions, customs, and love. Unfortunately, old age often brings hardship. Due to the pervasive poverty in our country, the absence of a social security retirement system, and losses caused by HIV/AIDS, many elderly individuals lack family support and the means to sustain themselves. To compound matters, some elders find themselves caring for their grandchildren or other relatives. These vulnerable souls are truly forgotten, enduring malnutrition, illness, and the absence of necessities in their day-to-day lives.

The elderly have shelters but are penniless and too old and weak. Their advanced age leaves them with insufficient energy for laborious jobs, and they are too frail to venture out and beg, often walking long distances and standing all day.

Our Goal is to provide ongoing financial support to at least 100 families each month. Our initial vision was to collaborate locally, operating from a community center where elders could receive essential aid, including food and support. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we persevered and achieved our goal.

• In 2021, we actively started serving 104 elderly and vulnerable children through our partner agency Abune Zena Markos in Addis Ababa. In addition, we sponsored 10 orphans who lost their parents due to HIV/AIDS under People to People Aid Organization, Canada, Inc (P2P) in Addis Ababa.
• In 2022, HTFF took a significant step by partnering with the Niku Yeneseha Merkeb Association to construct a shelter that can accommodate up to 100 orphans and elderly individuals at Shenkora Yohannes that is 2 hours away from the capital city (Addis Ababa). This initiative aims to provide a safe haven for those who have been forgotten, ensuring they have a place to call home and receive the care they deserve. In July 2023, construction is fully completed, and 20 orphans and elderly are currently residing in the orphanage.

Together, we are making a difference in the lives of these vulnerable individuals, offering them not only shelter but also hope and dignity. Your continued support is invaluable as we work towards our goal of providing financial assistance to these families each month. Thank you for being part of this compassionate mission.

Your generous donations enable us to provide them with a monthly allowance, sanitation supplies, clothing, nutritious lunches, and opportunities for social engagement.

 

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. 100% of the donations are transferred to our partners and gets distributed to the beneficiaries and all admin costs are absorbed by the founders.

 

HELP OUR CAUSE

Help the Forgotten Foundation is doing remarkable work by providing essential financial support to the elderly and their dependent children, and forgotten orphans in Ethiopia. Your commitment to their well-being is commendable. Here are some ways you can contribute and make a difference:

1. Online Donations/PayPal or Zelle:
   • Visit the HTFF’s website or donation page to make a secure online contribution. You can donate through PayPal or Zelle. Use the following details:
     • Zelle: helptheforgottenfoundation@gmail.com
     • PayPal: Check HTFF’s website for the PayPal link.
   • Consider setting up monthly donations to provide consistent support.
2. Bank Donations:
   • Help The Forgotten Foundation
   • Wells Fargo Bank, NA. account # 8305638929
3. Corporate Matching:
   • Check if your employer offers a matching gift program. Your donation could have double the impact!

Remember that every contribution matters, and your generosity directly impacts the lives of those in need.

 

 

Our Appreciation!

Thank you for your generous contribution and for taking the time to learn about our mission and would greatly appreciate it if you join us so we can provide sustainable and consistent support to these vulnerable population. We couldn’t have done this without your help.

If you do decide to help our mission, please click on the ‘Donate‘ button and you can either make a one-time donation, or a monthly donation that will sponsor an Elder for just $25/month.

All donations are 100% tax deductible to the extent applicable by law.

Together we can bring hope to these elderly and their dependents by providing both financial and emotional support.

God Bless You!

Our Partners