We need your support!
Since 2007, Blessed Homes has been helping children and youth on the border between Thailand and Myanmar. Over the years, we have grown to run three children’s homes and a residential youth center.
To ensure our current operations, we need to increase our monthly income to 19,000 USD. Regular donors provide us with a stable framework to maintain our work.
Our Work Today
For the 2024-2025 school year, we support around 90 children and youth. Most of them live in one of our homes, while the remaining are young people receiving financial support for higher education.
We have 19 local employees who live on-site at the homes. Additionally, we have three local office staff in Mae Sot. Besides the local staff, we have three international staff based in Thailand: Ole-Jørgen Edna (since the start in 2007), Stephanie Melachrinos (since 2014), and Gjertrud Ekre (since 2017).
The border areas where we work are marked by prolonged conflict between Burmese authorities and ethnic minorities. This results in many growing up as refugees in Thailand and as stateless individuals with limited rights. As a Thai foundation, we collaborate with government child welfare services and other organizations working to promote the rights of children and youth.
The needs are many, but with 17 years of experience, we are resolved to continue to provide children and young people with a safe upbringing and educational opportunities.
How Are the Funds Used?
Monthly expenses in Thailand (2023)
| Salaries | 40 % | $6,800 |
| Food | 19 % | $3,200 |
| Housing | 10.5 % | $1,800 |
| Education | 10.5 % | $1,750 |
| Transportation | 7.5 % | $1,250 |
| Miscellaneous | 7 % | $1,200 |
| Health | 4 % | $700 |
| Administration | 1.5 % | $200 |
| Total | $16,900 |
Organization
In Thailand, Blessed Homes is registered as a Thai foundation operating under the supervision of Tak Province Human Security and Social Welfare. We comply with Thai accounting and auditing requirements.
The Thai foundation is responsible for the operation of the homes. The organizations in Norway and the USA are donor organizations for the foundation in Thailand.
In Norway, we are registered in the Volunteer Register and are part of the Fundraising Control. The Norwegian accounts are audited in Norway.
In the USA, Blessed Homes is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, filing annually with state and federal agencies.
Care of Children
Blessed Homes works with children whose families are not able to provide for them.
Read more →Transition for Youth
As children grow up, we want to support them in the transition to a more independent adult life.
Read more →