Rebuilding Lives at Pipeline IDP Camp

Sponsor a family, build a house, and help rebuild a life

"Please release us from the shame of living in tents" - Moses, IDP Camp Resident

The Rebuilding Lives project is a sponsorship program that connects people around the world with families in crisis at the Pipeline IDP (Internally Displaced Person) Camp in Kenya.

For just one payment of $650US or $110US (group sponsorship) you will build an entire house for one IDP family and replace the emergency tent they are currently living in. You will not only be giving them a safe roof over their head, you will be giving them back their dignity.

To sign-up to build a home and rebuild lives, click here.

The Pipeline IDP Camp is situated in the Great Rift Valley and is home to 6500 people (1200 families) who were forced to flee their homes during the post election violence in January 2008.

While the 6500 IDPs now live a relatively more peaceful existence at Pipeline, it is not sustainable and they face enormous challenges. The most critical is the need for shelter.

The IDPs continue to live in the emergency tents, in many cases two families per tent. The tents are worn and torn and with the rainy season upon them are prone to flooding which pose an enormous health risk to the camp, not to mention miserable conditions. The tents are designed to last for 6 months however the IDPs have been living in the tents for well over one year.

As a community, the Pipeline IDPs pooled together the little compensation money they received from the government (less than $130US per family) and purchased the 16 acres of land where they are living. Each member of the group owns a plot of 21x24 ft. But this plot is basically all they own…

IDP The Pipeline community is made up by able-bodied people who prior to their displacement owned houses and ran successful businesses. All they want is enough to be able to rebuild their lives and start a self sufficient community free from handouts. But with the constant threat of disease and lack of basic resources, they need you and me to help them achieve their goals.

Please help rebuild the lives of the families living in the Pipeline IDP Camp in Kenya by sponsoring a family today. When you sign up we will send you a family profile that contains the personal story of your family and a photograph.

The Rebuilding Lives project was launched in May 2009 by Lauren McMahon, after spending time at Pipeline IDP Camp while working with GVN. While she was there she saw the deplorable conditions the people were living in and felt inspired to call out to friends, family and in the international community for help.

"If we manage to build one house and rebuild the life of one family we will have made a difference… but together I want us to build one thousand houses!" - Lauren McMahon

For further information please contact:
Lauren McMahon