With 15 children in its care and monthly operating costs of about $40,000, Hope Haven Belize is asking the San Pedro and wider community to support its upcoming November fundraisers. Donations and participation will help the home provide meals, safe housing, around-the-clock care, school essentials, and access to counseling.
The organization will host its next yard sale on Thursday, November 12th, and Friday, November 13th, from 8AM to 4PM. Hope Haven will also benefit from the eighth annual San Pedro Turkey Trot on Thursday, November 26th, which will include raffles and a silent auction.
Hope Haven is a residential home providing care and support for children in San Pedro. Funds raised through its yard sales help cover food, utilities, staffing, housing, school supplies, and counseling-related expenses. Community members are encouraged to attend the sale, donate usable items, or offer other support.
During an interview on October 12th, a Hope Haven representative explained that the organization holds yard sales every other month to allow time to collect and organize donated items. The home may use children’s clothing, sheets, pillows, and other household items directly when needed. The home sells items it cannot use to raise funds.
The representative said Hope Haven costs approximately $40,000 per month to operate. It employs seven house mothers, two of whom must always be on duty. “We have a full house,” the representative said, noting that the children need food, electricity, water, and around-the-clock care.
Monthly food costs are estimated at $3,000 to $4,000, electricity at $1,200 to $1,500, and water at $800 to $1,000. The organization also pays $2,500 in monthly rent. Additional expenses include schoolbooks, uniforms, clothing, shoes, and transportation for counseling services. Although the government provides the counselors, Hope Haven covers their transportation from Belmopan.
Hope Haven will receive proceeds from Turkey Trot entry fees, raffles, and the silent auction. Over the past seven years, the event has raised more than $55,000 for the home.
Hope Haven welcomes donations and visitors. Anyone wishing to donate items or offer assistance can contact the organization at hopehavenbelize@gmail.com or Director Adan Kay at 632-9296. Both November events offer the San Pedro community opportunities to help meet the home’s ongoing needs.