Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric is having an impact locally and globally through a special partnership with NIVAS, a Colorado nonprofit outfitting rural communities of Nepal with safe and sanitary bathrooms.
NIVAS aims to improve the livelihood of underserved families in Nepal by providing better housing opportunities. Through the sponsorship, Applewood has supported the Nepalese communities by contributing to the construction of clean, sustainable bathrooms.
“We underestimate the importance of a bathroom in a home. Everyone deserves access to a bathroom no matter the circumstance,” said Josh Ward, owner of Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric. “This is why we are eager to help the families that NIVAS serves to have the luxury that is a bathroom.”
Sanitation and Security
Last year, 12 homes with sanitary bathrooms were built for 53 people consisting primarily of single mothers and children. Providing a safe structure is a key part of these facilities, where women and children can be at risk of harm. Some bathroom rooftops have a dual purpose of providing a high platform to help dry harvested grains, which plays a part in feeding the families as well.
“Having Applewood Plumbing continue to be our plumbing partner put us in a zone of comfort,” said Lindsey Kruger, founder of NIVAS. “We can say yes to the families because we know that because of that partnership we will be able to provide them a sanitary bathroom.”
According to Kruger, a lot of times this is the bathroom for more than just the family. It can become the only bathroom for the neighborhood.
“These are people who very much need a sanitary bathroom for safety and to reduce illness. Together with Applewood Plumbing we can make a big difference in their lives,” Kruger said.
Impacting Communities
According to the World Health Organization, 80% of Nepal’s population is using the least basic sanitation services. Which is why Applewood and NIVAS are on a mission to build 16 additional houses with bathrooms this year to decrease the number of people without quality bathrooms. In addition, NIVAS has expanded to a new community populated with people who have disabilities, expanding their support to build accessible bathrooms.
“Through the work of our trades, we hope to bring comfort and stability to these families in knowing they have a sanitary bathroom,” said Ward.
In addition to the sanitary bathrooms, the program also creates jobs and builds skilled trades, having a positive economic impact as well.
Applewood is committed to serving local organizations with an international impact. Located in Denver, NIVAS has helped more than 2,500 people in 17 communities in Nepal to build strong, long-lasting homes.
To learn more about Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric, visit www.ApplewoodFixIt.com.