Grant for WaterStep Provides Safe Water

by Rick Tipton

Louisville-based WaterStep responds to critical needs for safe water by evaluating and implementing simple but effective solutions, and by and teaching local people to use those tools. Strategically, WaterStep saves lives with safe water by empowering communities to take care of their own long-term water needs. We believe that the best solutions to water problems are rooted in simple tools and effective training.

First Christian Church (FCC) and WaterStep have been a powerful force together over the years; for example, sales of FCC members’ donated shoes has helped fund some of WaterStep’s operations. Over the years, WaterStep has delivered safe water sanitation and health solutions in over 60 countries and responded onsite to water needs in several disasters. And WaterStep has even had partners in Afghanistan using their BleachMakers for IDP (Internally Displaced People) camps.

In responding to the recent Haiti earthquake event, WaterStep requested and received a $5000 Wholeness Ministries grant from FCC. Their overall fundraising goal for the Haiti disaster was $100,000. In response, UPS donated sending WaterStep equipment for safe water and the machines capable to manufacture disinfectant on site; its delivery had potential impact for 200,000 people each day. This UPS gift represented $20,000. WaterStep raised another $40,000 from other donors including the Louisville Water foundation and The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. FCC’s grant went toward closing the remaining gap of $40,000. Further, WaterStep is in ongoing conversations with smaller NGO’s working in the epicenter providing support to survivors; especially those living in the mountains and cut off from supplies. We are evaluating best delivery options working through connections with smaller aircraft. Currently, airport closings are in flux but closer runways to disperse equipment to our partners may be an option.

Volunteer opportunities: WaterStep is always in need of volunteers to help with shoe sorting at their location in Louisville, KY.

The wholeness grant used to fund this ministry was made possible through your faithful financial support of our church and its ministries and help fund a variety of efforts to make our world a better place.

You can find more examples of those efforts or apply for a grant to make the world a better place by clicking here.