Category: Humanitarian. Housing. Medical.
Education. Food Assistance.
Location: Mexico City, Mexico; Bogotá, Colombia
Status: Non-profit
Method: Between the two locations above defined,
there are approximately two (2) million homeless and abandoned
children ( "street kids"). They are starving, in poor health, in need
of clothing and need a permanent place to stay where they can be
provided with all of the necessities in a nurturing environment.
Cornerstone Foundation will build modified
barracks-type housing where many of these children may stay until the
age of eighteen. They will be housed, four to a room (15’ x 15’) and
will be clothed, fed, medically maintained and educated through the
high school level.
Facilities will be built in the area of Mexico
City, to accommodate up to 75,000 of these children, and in Colombia,
for the care of an additional 75,000 children. Some facilities will be
granted by the Governments of Mexico and Colombia. Undoubtedly these
facilities will require reconstruction. New facilities will be built
where and when required.
Both sites will be supported by a full service
hospital, built for the exclusive use of the project. Further,
educational facilities will be built for the furtherance of the
children’s education. Facilities will be a combination of
semi-centralized locations, and satellite locations. The centralized
locations will hold up to 5,000 children each, while the satellite
locations will vary in the number of children each can handle.
This project will actively seek the endorsement and
assistance of UNESCO, WHO and other United Nations organizations, as
well as religious organizations from Mexico, America and Europe.
Middle and upper level staff will undergo specialized training that
focuses on the physical and emotional needs of the children.
Job training will be given in various areas
beginning at the age of fourteen. This training will encompass menial,
sub-skilled and skilled occupations. Psychiatric evaluations and
treatment will be readily available, as we acknowledge that the
children bring a considerable amount of "emotional baggage" with them.
Spiritual growth and understanding will be encouraged and placed under
the auspices of the local church authorities and other reputable
religious organizations.
Financial: After the initial building and hiring
for Phase I (currently to be determined) of this project, sufficient
funds will be set back to provide for the majority of support
required. These funds will be re-entered into investment programs as
required. The current estimate (which includes facilities support,
medical, food, etc., and staff) for the support of one (1) child for
one (1) year, is Four thousand dollars ($4,000/yr). This amounts to
about 1.3 billion dollars per year.
Time: This project will be completed in four
overlapping phases. The total project will mature in 7 years. Phase I
will be partially operational in 24 months after funding, or sooner
depending on construction time and available staff.
