Philemon House
The Challenge
Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in Central Asia with a population of 6.7 million people. It declared its independence from the USSR in 1991. However, “the Kyrgyzstanis have not begun to live better over the years of independence in spite of the promises of politicians. A quarter of the country’s population still lives below the poverty line” (24.kg). And even though the country remains more resilient than expected through the COVID pandemic, “the Kyrgyz economy is heavily dependent on remittances, gold production and foreign aid and as a result has been vulnerable to external shocks” (WorldBank).
With all of these economic difficulties and nearly 1 million finding work in other countries, social challenges such as domestic violence, forced marriages, lack of resources and education for those with disabilities, etc. remain a deep concern. For example, “in 2020 police recorded 9,025 cases of domestic violence, a 65 percent rise compared to previous years, but only about 940 of the cases were sent to courts” (state.gov). And “according to an Amnesty International report, there are 14 crisis centers in the country. All but one are based in the towns of Bishkek and Osh. Experts note that the centers are under-resourced” (state.gov).
A Solution
Philemon House is a Soviet-era kindergarten turned bed-and-breakfast that provides a quiet oasis for travelers visiting Bishkek and beyond. The guesthouse is a support service for volunteers who are addressing many social needs/problems, such as: poverty, health, domestic abuse, orphans/homeless, community development, treatment of and care for the disabled, education, micro-business development, etc.
Volunteers have a secure, restful, family-friendly, and affordable B&B accommodations in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where they can rest during travel abroad and/or while meeting regional needs.
Business Geared Toward Decent Work, Economic Growth, and Inclusive Communities.
Target: Promote full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value (adapted from 8.5)
Target: Promote access to safe and affordable to short-term stay housing (Adapted from 11.1)
Measured by:
Number of full-time, part-time, and/or temporary employees earning a living wage or higher.
Number of volunteers who stayed at Philemon House each quarter.
Describe the social needs the volunteers who stayed at Philemon House are addressing.
Describe how the Philemon House has been improved to meet city codes & requirements each quarter.
Briefly share a social impact story of someone who benefited socially or economically from the Philemon House.
Philemon House is a bed-and-breakfast that provides a quiet oasis for travelers visiting Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and beyond. The guesthouse is a support service for volunteers who are addressing many social needs/problems.
What Does Your Donation Go Towards?
Employment and Administration Costs
Replacement of the old water main coming into the property including all permits and work contracts
Expansion construction process that has been on hold due to the water line issue.