Quito, Ecuador - Secondhand Store
OVERVIEW
Ecuador, though geographically small, is an incredibly diverse country both in terms of people and terrain. Ecuador has four distinct regions: the coast, the Andes mountains, the jungle, and the Galapagos Islands. Contained within this country the size of Colorado, there are 11 distinctly different indigenous groups each with their own language group, the largest being the Kichwa. Of the roughly 11 million people in the country, about 5 million of those living between the Capitol city of Quito and the coastal port city of Guayaquil. The remaining 6 million live in rural, country settings.
In the year 2000, Ecuador changed its currency from the sucre to the U.S. dollar to stop the rapid rate of inflation. The conversion threw the country into a state of economic collapse, as what could once buy a week of groceries for a family could now only buy a few pieces of fruit. Ecuador experienced great poverty and a mass exodus of fathers and bread-winners as they left the country to find work abroad with the promise of sending money home and returning one day. Some upheld their promises, but many left and never looked back. As a result, an entire generation of children grew up without their fathers, disillusioned, and with great need.
In spite of economic hardship, poverty, and an unstable government, Ecuador has reached stability and has recovered a great deal over the past decade. It is a country with a deep value for family and value of Catholic heritage, with significant physical needs and spiritual needs. Our Ministry Youth World, is located in the densely populated capital of Quito. Our various ministries focus on bringing truth, hope, and training to the younger generation and their families to bring about holistic change. We partner with local efforts and the local church to build bridges for God to work in the brokenness and bring about restoration and transformation in His name.
OUR WORK
Casa Gabriel: A residential home for former street boys living in Quito. Our focus is to see youth at risk become followers of Jesus and successful leaders in their home, church, community, and world. We provide training for street kids — spiritually, academically and socially — enabling them to achieve their God-given potential as leaders and followers of Jesus.
INVESTMENT SUMMARY:
$25,000 investment
Structured as Recoverable Grant following a revenue-based financing model
Will recycle the full investment via revenue-share by the year 2028 (Six year amortization schedule).
This investment will fund a start-up alongside a seasoned ministry that brings young men off the streets of Quito and teaches them life skills. The investments will add two small business components to the ministry, a thrift store and a transportation service.
Key Metrics for Growth and Impact:
Our primary objective in this investment is to add both economic stability to a mature ministry as well as to provide employment & job-skills training to young men coming through the ministry. Read more about the core ministry here: https://secondchancesecuador.org/
Jobs created: 7
Local partners supported: 4
People directly impacted: 270
Annual Revenue generated by initiative: TBD
