Everyone needs a safety net and a community where they feel a sense of belonging and have their basic needs met. At the Gazelle Foundation, we got our start from a community of runners and thoughtful people who were inspired by Gilbert Tuhabonye’s story of survival, forgiveness, and hope in order to give the highest quality of life and hope to people in Burundi by giving them close access to clean water.
Each year, we Run For The Water with Central Texans and runners from across globe who participate in our Global Run to raise awareness and funding to continue our mission to build spring-fed clean water systems in the rural hills of Burundi where Gilbert grew up, and where the majority of the population lives. Almost 20 years later, more than 143,000 people have permanent access to clean water.
Our Run For The Water event helps us spread awareness and raise vital funding for our cause.
About Our Partner FindHelp: 4 years strong
Findhelp, the Presenting Partner of Run For The Water, shares these values of building community and strengthening safety nets. Findhelp’s mission is to help connect all people and the programs that serve them, with dignity and ease. They have built a comprehensive platform to simplify the complicated process of connecting people to local social care resources like housing, food, and transportation. They integrate with healthcare, education, governments, and community-based organizations in the United States to connect people to programs, follow them on their journey, and track their impact.
Modern solutions to build a better safety net
Across communities, too many people struggle to access the help they need, while the organizations that serve them are stretched thin. Findhelp brings together the tools, data, and partnerships that make connecting people in the U.S. to care simpler, faster, and more dignified.
Anyone can access resources using Findhelp’s search and referral platform to quickly locate free- or low-cost support in the United States.
These four stories from the Gazelle Foundation and Findhelp show the impact that can be made when people come together in support of others.
“Both Findhelp and the Gazelle Foundation share the belief that building stronger, more connected communities can make the world a more compassionate place.”
Story 1: Musinzara Matana #74 Water System
The Gazelle Foundation builds spring-fed, gravity-driven clean water systems in rural Burundi, including the Musinzara-Matana Water System #74. Our newest water system is made up of a collection chamber, four storage tanks, 16 tap stands, and water distribution pipe spanning 13.6 km or about 8.5 miles. It serves 3,500 residents, a church and school, and Matana market center. See our video below, which celebrates the water system’s completion.
Clean water not only vastly reduces waterborne illnesses, it gives children more time to pursue their education and more time for adults to invest to make their homes, work, and community stronger.
We source materials locally and hire residents of each community to construct the water system with a dedicated project manager who is in-country. When the system is completed, we turn the water system’s ownership to the community. Because they partnered all along, they have the knowledge and know-how to maintain the system themselves. Find out more about how we build water systems in seven steps and the impact of our work in Burundi, East Africa.
StORY 2 | Kīpuka
Education opens doors, but only when basic needs are met.
Our presenting partner, Findhelp, shares our belief that communities grow stronger when people can access the resources they need. Through their storytelling initiative, Findhelp shines a light on organizations building a stronger social safety net, expanding access to education, health, and opportunity.
This film, Kīpuka, tells the story of KEY Project, a grassroots community center in Koʻolaupoko, Oʻahu, that offers more than services — it offers belonging. As Native Hawaiian families struggle to stay rooted in their homeland, KEY Project has become a lifeline, offering not only support services, but a powerful sense of connection to place, history, and one another.
Click here to watch the full film and learn how Findhelp supports community-based organizations like KEY Project.
STORY 3 | Filling the Gaps
Health is more than treatment. It’s about connection. In the U.S., a stronger safety net ensures people can get care when they need it.
Through their storytelling initiative, Findhelp shines a light on organizations building a stronger social safety net.
Their Findhelp Films documentary, Filling the Gaps, spotlights Amber Lombardi of Mainely Teeth, who brings dental care directly to people in need with her mobile clinic based in Portland, Maine.
Click here to watch the full film and learn how Mainly Teeth uses Findhelp to address their patients’ needs.
StORY 4 | Living Positive
Opportunity begins with seeing the inherent value in all people. Our presenting partner Findhelp highlights stories of healing and transformation in U.S. communities facing their own challenges.
Their Findhelp Films documentary, Living Positive, highlights Siloam Wellness’ community, emphasizing the role of emotional and spiritual well-being of Philadephia area residents living with HIV/AIDS.
Click here to watch the full film and learn how Siloam partners with Findhelp to connect more people with their programs.
““We are thankful to Findhelp, which has helped us make Run For The Water possible. As we come together to run or walk on November 9th, our collective action makes it possible to bring clean water to Burundi and get involved to help our neighbors locally and abroad.” ”
MAke a Difference
Connect with Findhelp and the Gazelle Foundation on social media and tell us which film inspires you the most. You can follow Findhelp Film’s YouTube channel to see more of their work.
Findhelp is not only partnering with us on the race this year, but also they have more than 83 employees so far who have registered to run or walk in the race this year.
If you’d like to join us on November 9th, registration for Run For The Water is still open and we are recruiting volunteers.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Canva.com / Syda Productions