Project Progress

My early days with Home of Dreams mostly involved raising funds within my own community and shipping essential supplies to Uganda. Even items that most of us take for granted, like clothes that fit or simple toiletries, were received with gratitude and excitement that impacted me. Working closely with the orphanage's founder, Wanume Lasuli, and speaking with the children gave me a clearer picture of their daily lives and awareness of their pressing needs.

As I got to know Wanume better, he sometimes shared the reality of caring for so many children with limited resources. Each month, he had to pay rent for the house along with food, clothing, medical care and education. There were occasions when funds were so tight that the children could only eat one meal a day.

I knew I was making a difference, but my contribution felt small compared to what I believed was possible.

Building a Sustainable Future

I began asking myself two questions:

How could I help create a lasting solution rather than temporary relief?

How could I help reduce the orphanage’s dependence on outside assistance and give the children greater stability and opportunity?

I decided to focus on making a more sustainable future for Home of Dreams. The idea was simple: an orphanage with its own farmland where residents could grow food on-site and not have the expense of monthly rent, as well as providing some food stability and teaching the children valuable farming skills. If the orphanage could own its land and grow some of its own food, then the children would have the security of more nutritious meals and the freedom to focus on their education rather than the daily struggles of survival.

As I researched the area, I learned that Uganda’s fertile farmland and favorable growing conditions made agriculture a realistic path toward greater self-sufficiency. I also discovered that farmland in the region cost approximately $5,000 per acre. The goal felt achievable.

Over the next two years I dedicated myself to raising the funds to make this vision a reality. I coordinated fundraising efforts and was able to raise more than $15,000. This was enough to buy three acres of farmland for Home of Dreams.That was enough to purchase three acres of farmland for Home of Dreams. In 2023, the land was purchased, and the orphanage relocated to a small house on the property.

Where We Are Today

Today, Home of Dreams grows cassava, sweet potatoes, bananas, and vegetables on its land, on its way towards a more stable and sustainable future.

In 2025 I assisted Wanume with the purchase of chickens and ducks that are now providing eggs for the children. Additional fundraising efforts brought in over $3,000 to help fund the building of a chicken coop so the orphanage can expand its poultry program and have an even more reliable source of nutrition. The chicken coop is currently under construction.

Our next goal is to raise $16,000 to construct a larger building on the property to provide more space for the children to live, learn and grow. This new building will create a safer and more comfortable environment while allowing the orphanage to better serve the children in its care.

None of this would have been possible without the generosity of friends, supporters and donors from around the world. Because of your support, Home of Dreams has gone from a rented house struggling to meet basic needs, to an orphanage working towards long term independence. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to giving more children a safe place to live, learn, and grow.

Visit our gallery page to view photos and videos of daily life at the orphanage and to follow the progress of this project from the beginning. The children’s smiles, accomplishments and growth are the best reminder of why this work is important and how much can be achieved when people come together to help!