Housing and Shelter (JENGA)
Rationale
“Home is where the heart is.” Many vulnerable children in Kenya live in substandard housing – structures that leak, lack proper walls or floors, or are unsafe. This compromises their physical safety (exposure to elements, disease vectors) and psychological security. “Too many children may not feel safe and secure… No child should grow up like that.” Recognizing this, Youthful Faces launched the JENGA program in 2019 (“Jenga” means “build” in Swahili) to provide safe, resilient, sustainable housing for the children and families we serve. Volunteers have been “brick by brick… creating new homes on a solid foundation of love. Having a decent home is transformative: it improves health (better shelter), education (space to study), and dignity for the family.
Strategic Objectives
Expand the JENGA housing program to provide safe shelter for more vulnerable children and their families. Over 2026–2028, construct at least 3 new homes and 3 home renovations for families in need, ensuring that by 2028 all active Youthful Faces beneficiary households live in safe and adequate housing. Each house will be built to be durable, weather-resistant, and suited to the family’s size.
Measurable Targets (2026 - 2028)
Homes Built and Renovations Completed
Complete at least 1 new house and 1 renovation per year (for a total of 3~5 by 2028). Prioritize families in the program currently living in the most dire conditions. Maintain construction standards for durability (e.g. corrugated iron roofs, concrete floors) and include basic WASH facilities where possible. Progress will be tracked by construction milestones and family move-in dates.
Community Engagement
Involve community members and volunteers in Jenga projects, both local and international. Each build will serve as a site for community volunteerism and skills transfer (e.g. local youth apprenticing in masonry or carpentry). By 2027, formalize a partnership with a housing charity or a corporate sponsor (e.g. a Rotary club or “Habitat for Humanity Kenya”) to co-fund or co-implement at least one house build per year. This leverages broader support and reduces unit costs.
Impact on Beneficiaries
Evaluate the impact of improved housing on families’ well-being. Collect testimonials and observe indicators like children’s health improvements, better school attendance, and psychosocial well-being (a safe home reduces stress and trauma). We expect to see qualitative improvements such as families reporting a greater sense of security and stability after moving into their new home.
Providing housing ties directly to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities (target on adequate, safe housing) and our own children in safe, resilient homes. It also intersects with climate adaptation – new houses are more resilient to floods or extreme weather, protecting vulnerable families from climate-related disasters. This program was rated as a priority in stakeholder surveys (Housing/Shelter was consistently listed in the top 5 focus areas). Ensuring a child has a secure home environment underpins success in all other areas (health, education, etc.).