Access to clean, potable water is a necessity that is easily taken for granted, especially if we live in areas where good water is plentiful. We were reminded of the importance of this valuable resource following the natural disasters that occurred this year, which restricted access to fresh water supplies in many areas of the United States. Clean water scarcity is a daily reality for many people in other parts of the world. This holiday season, Mission felt it noteworthy to showcase a few groups that are working to bring clean water to millions of people.

Project HOPE was founded in 1958 by Dr. William B. Walsh, a WWII veteran. Originally, Walsh envisioned a floating medical center that would bring health education and medical care to communities around the world. A repurposed naval ship, the S.S. Hope, fulfilled Walsh's vision for 14 years before it was retired, but the motivation and dedication of the organization have survived time.

This year, Project HOPE concentrated their efforts in Puerto Rico, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. Their medical volunteers have treated nearly 1,200 people throughout the island since the end of September. Teams coordinated the delivery of 2,600 water purification kits to victims, offering up to 10,000 people clean water for over a year. Each purification kit provides nearly 3,000 liters of clean water, which is enough to sustain a family of four for 12 months. Project HOPE also distributed necessary medical supplies including 1,500 vials of donated insulin, $500,000 worth of medicine, and hygiene kits.  In addition to their work in Puerto Rico, Project HOPE teams assisted victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in Texas and Florida. 

To learn more about Project HOPE and their projects, visit http://projecthope.org.

Water.org is an organization that helps provide safe water and sanitation to 13

countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The organization was co-founded in 2009 by engineer Gary White and actor Matt Damon after they met at an international summit on global poverty. Their mission is to provide affordable financing to help people get access to water and sanitation solutions in their home. They state, "charity alone is not a long-term solution. We seek sustainable financial solutions that empower people with access to the water and sanitation solutions they need." Since its inception, Water.org has helped more than nine million people worldwide.

 

	Photo credit: Water.org

Katherine Faulkner, senior marketing associate for Water.org says their work has had the most impact in India where they've changed the lives of more than five million people. They recently  expanded their efforts in Brazil to broaden access to safe water and sanitation in the region.

 

"There are five million people who lack access to safe water and 25 million people who lack access to improved sanitation in Brazil. We're looking forward to changing lives there," Faulkner explained.

 

WATERisLIFE (WiL) was also formed in 2009 after years of charitable service by founder and clean water advocate Ken Surritte. WiL offers clean water technologies and education to people in over 44 different countries. Recently, they provided clean water assistance to hurricane victims in Haiti and Puerto Rico.

 

Photo credit: WATERisLIFE.com

Surritte says, "I think right now for the first time in history we have the opportunity to solve the world water crisis because of the advancements in technology." The WiL team developed a medical grade polyiodide crystal water filter and a solar- and wind-powered water desalination unit that can process 5,000 gallons a day. WiL also engineered a drinking straw technology that converts unsanitary water into clean, drinkable water.

 

Surritte says the straw uses two metals that have reverse polarity. An electric charge is created when water hits them. This bonds the contaminants to the elements in the filter. "There's activated charcoal in the end that clears it all up, makes it taste good, and deals with not only bacteria but also viruses, chlorine, fluoride, and a host of other things," explains Surritte.

 

To read more about WATERisLIFE, their technological advances, and how to get involved, visit  http://waterislife.com.

Give the Gift of Clean Water

This holiday season, Mission Communications made donations to Water.org and Project HOPE. We encourage our subscribers to help organizations that promote and provide clean water. There are many wonderful charities to explore. Visit guides like  Charity Navigator or  Charity Watch to learn how funds are allocated by an organization. Please be aware there are worthwhile organizations that are too small to be evaluated by these sites. You can also determine charitable legitimacy by reviewing their Form 990. Consult  this guide from Charity Navigator for more tips on assessing the credibility of an organization.