Q:  Are your crafts made in Africa?

A:  No, our crafts are made by local HomeAID for Africa members who contribute their time and talent in order to raise money for programs in Africa.

Q:  We hear a lot about how funds get misappropriated in Africa; how do I know the money is really being used to benefit those who need it?

A:  HomeAID for Africa has done significant research and has taken care in choosing the programs it supports.  We have met some of the service providers personally and keep in contact with them.  Most importantly, we partner with Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance (GAIA) staff "on the ground" in Africa who directly assist, monitor, and provide feedback about the programs we support.  See WHO WE HELP.

Q:  With money from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), the Gates Foundation and others, aren't the problems associated with AIDS in Africa being solved?

A:  Progress has been made in education/prevention and in the availability of medicine, but there is much, much more to do. 

Only a small percentage of the people who need treatment are getting it.  This is partly due to cost and availability but also because medical services may be difficult or impossible to access in many areas.  Clinics can be quite distant and getting to them is beyond the means of most.  The number of trained medical providers is grossly inadequate (Malawi has one of the most serious shortages of trained health workers in the world, with an estimated one doctor per 60,000 people and one nurse per 28,000) and even if treatment is available, Antiretroviral (ARV) medication cannot be tolerated by children and adults who are malnourished.  Such malnutrition is often the result of folks being too ill to farm effectively, of being orphaned, or of being elderly and poor.

HomeAID for Africa is proud to support projects that lead to self-sustaining food security, that ensure care of orphans, and that provide scholarships for nurses' training.  See WHO WE HELP.

Q:  Do I have to have artistic or crafting skill to VOLUNTEER with HomeAID for Africa?

A:  While we eagerly welcome folks with artistic and crafting skill (to add to the inventory of products we already make and to bring new ideas) many of our products don't require a great deal of talent to create.  Many first-time crafters have been amazed at the beautiful results of their efforts.  Also, we can use help in many other areas: planning events, selling products, educating, and helping with publicity are a few examples.

Q:  Is my donation tax deductible?

A:  HomeAID for Africa is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation so your donation is tax deductible.  The cost of an item you purchase, however, is not deductible because you are receiving an item of equal value.

Q:  What do I have to do to become a member of HomeAID for Africa?  Do I have to fill out an application or pay dues?

A:  All you have to do is show up at a regularly scheduled meeting or event and pitch in to help!  There is no application or fee.  See EVENTS.