Community Development

 “Community Development” programs are a growing area of ERDO’s work.   It means that ERDO is actively looking for longer term solutions to issues related to poverty in the communities where we serve.  Communities sometimes need basic building blocks to help them to become self-sustaining.  While a slower process than providing “hand-outs”, community development provides a “hand-up” and brings dignity to those we serve.

ERDO helps families and communities find their way out of poverty and build futures of promise by offering programs that:

• Teach new, eco-friendly and profitable farming techniques
• Instruct families about breeding, raising and selling farm animals to generate income
• Help people start small businesses and provide small business loans through microfinance
• Drill clean water wells and teach communities how to maintain them 
• Repair and build affordable homes, schools, and clinics
• Offer vocational training and employment skills