I-HHELPP began as a non-profit in 2014 when BYU–Hawaii alumni wanted to build disaster-proof homes to improve the lives of those in the Philippines. It has since transformed to an organization building public bathrooms and other necessities for poor communities in the Philippines.
I-HHELPP stands for “Improving health, housing, education, and livelihood for the poor in the Philippines.” It was founded by BYUH alumnus Rene Doria. Paul Staples, also a BYUH alumnus, is the vice president and head of operations.
The organization began in 2014 when a typhoon hit Tacloban, a city in the Philippines. Doria and several Eagle Scouts from Utah went to Tacloban with the goal of building disaster-proof homes for the victims of the typhoon. James Astle, a BYUH alumnus and current business special instructor, has been working with I-HHELPP since 2016.
“The purpose of I-HHELPP is to help areas in the Philippines specifically with livelihood and opportunity,” Astle said. “They build public bathrooms for people in areas where they don’t have them.”
Staples said, “I-HHELPP has built libraries, public restrooms, schools, and disaster-proof homes. We just secured our first warehouse in the Philippines where we hope to start hiring full-time workers instead of just having volunteers or a few employees.”
Astle added, “They are currently working on building a school in Tarlac, which is in the central Luzon region of the Philippines. They are also getting involved in building more much needed bathrooms in new areas of the Philippines.”
Astle expressed his gratitude for having the opportunity to work with I-HHELPP. He said he had the chance to use his artistic talents and business background working with I-HHELPP, including taking photos and videos of these communities. “I have been lucky enough to help some of the individuals and families involved with I-HHELPP by creating content that would help progress the vision and mission of the organization. I also help with the media and branding of organization as a whole.”
Max Moncur, a BYUH alumnus served his mission in the Philippines, said after hearing about I-HHELPP, his interest was sparked and he said he wanted to get involved. Moncur said he had first-hand experience with building public restrooms in the Philippines. “I organized a three-party humanitarian project with I-HHELPP, EduCo, and Trekking For Kids. We built a safe and sanitary bathroom with running water at an elementary school as well as donated a couple hundred dollars worth of school books and supplies for this elementary school.”
Moncur added he felt grateful to be able to give back to the place he spent two years living in that meant so much to him.
On the I-HHELPP webpage, their mission statement says, “Promoting health & wellness and reducing risks of diseases. Building affordable, functional, & visually-appealing disaster-resilient housing. Providing relevant education anchored upon core values & entrepreneurship skills. Creating relevant and sustainable livelihood programs.”
Since this organization is a non-profit, they ask for donations. Staples said, “We encourage people to donate however much they can are willing to offer. Whether it be time, money, materials, or even just snacks for the volunteers. We welcome it all.”
For those interested, I-HHELPP is always seeking out donations or volunteers and individuals who are interested can sign up on the I-HHELPP website.
Writer: Mackenzie Beaver