NEW YORK, N.Y., Oct. 20, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Water.org has announced a $2.9 million three-year grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to provide access to safe water and sanitation to 42,000 people in Ghana and Kenya.
Through a $1.2 million grant from the Helmsley Charitable Trust and the work of Water.org, 16,000 people will gain access to safe water and improved sanitation in Kenya. In addition, Water.org's health and hygiene education programs will reach at least 8,000 people, resulting in improved healthy behaviors and long-term change within the community.
An additional grant of $1.7 million will provide 26,000 people in Ghana with safe water and sanitation while Water.org's community-led total sanitation activities are implemented in 15 communities, focusing on the behavioral change needed to ensure real and sustainable sanitation improvements.
For more than 20 years, Water.org has successfully demonstrated that integrated, demand-driven and community-based programs implemented by local partner organizations are effective, sustainable models of access to water and sanitation needs. To date, Water.org has improved the lives of millions through a multi-faceted approach; designing unique water and sanitation programs based on local community needs and capacity.
"Without safe water and sanitation, a huge segment of humanity does not have the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty. With the help of the Helmsley grant, we will change that for 42,000 people in East Africa," said Gary White, Water.org co-founder.
THE HELMSLEY CHARITABLE TRUST
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting exceptional nonprofits and other mission-aligned organizations in the U.S. and around the world in health, place-based initiatives, and education and human services. Since 2008, when the Trust began its active grantmaking, it has committed more than $1 billion to a wide range of charitable organizations. For more information on the Trust and its programs, visit www.helmsleytrust.org.
ABOUT WATER.ORG
For more than two decades, Water.org has been at the forefront of developing and delivering solutions to the water crisis. Founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, Water.org pioneers innovative, community-driven and market-based initiatives to ensure all people have access to safe water and sanitation; giving women hope, children health and communities a future. To date, Water.org has positively transformed the lives of more than two million individuals living around the world; ensuring a better life for generations ahead. Learn more at www.water.org and www.facebook.com/water.