A 65-year-old widow, Mary Atieno, and her 15 grandchildren have a reason to smile again after being rescued from the streets by the Rodgers Foundation, a non-governmental organization committed to supporting vulnerable families across Kenya.
The family, from Hamisi Sub-County in Vihiga, had been living in the cold after their house collapsed amid the ongoing heavy rains that have battered the western region. With no shelter, Mary and her grandchildren sought refuge in the streets—until help arrived.
On Saturday, residents gathered at Mary’s new home to celebrate a fresh beginning, made possible by the Rodgers Foundation. The organization not only built and fully furnished a new house for the family but also provided foodstuffs and startup capital to help Mary establish a small business for long-term sustainability.“I suffered out in the cold with my grandchildren, not knowing where our next meal would come from,” an emotional Mary Atieno said. “Then a good Samaritan came calling—and today, we have a roof over our heads and a new life.”
Rodgers Foundation CEO, while handing over the house, emphasized the importance of sustainable support in transforming vulnerable lives. “Our goal is not just to offer temporary relief, but to empower families like Mary’s to get back on their feet.
The money and materials donated will help her start a business and provide for her grandchildren consistently,” the CEO stated.The community applauded the foundation’s gesture, calling it a symbol of hope and humanity. Many residents hailed the initiative as a powerful example of what collective goodwill and targeted charity can achieve.
Mary’s story now stands as a testimony to resilience, compassion, and the power of community-centered philanthropy.