Economic Development

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This is a harsh reality that contributes to the cyclical nature of poverty as it can lead to poor health, low self esteem, increased school attrition rates, and domestic abuse to name a few.

In order for families to become more self sufficient and economically stable Bridges provides small business and agricultural loans prioritizing women, primarily single mothers. The loans have doubled the income of 56% of the participants and increased the incomes of nearly all involved. Female participants (70% of loan recipients) report that the loans have positively affected the health and happiness of their families and have empowered them as women. Not only are they now able to work from home, (before many would have to work 10-14 hours a day at clothing factories) but they are no longer financially dependent on others, especially a male partner to maintain them.

In addition to receiving the loan, Bridges also provides regular workshops in basic arithmetic, accounting, business management, and literacy. Not only to these loans and trainings provide families with means to raise the standard of living and serve as economic safety nets in case of personal emergencies or natural disasters.

Program Goals:
  1. Increase and stabilize family income;
  2. Implement environmentally sustainable economic projects;
  3. Instruct community members on proper loan maintenance and support techniques over the course of three to five years;
  4. Develop a renewable resource of funds for the community to maintain a loan program.