The History of Blood:Water Mission

IT'S A BEAUTIFUL STORY. We're a group of passionate people who have been inspired by our friends in Africa, friends who face unbearable challenges from the HIV/AIDS and water crises. We creatively and thoughtfully raise awareness and the necessary funds for the provision of clean blood and clean water in sub-Saharan Africa.

Founded by the multi-platinum, GRAMMY Award-winning band, Jars of Clay, Blood:Water Mission began as a call to personalize the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa. The members of the band were committed to share the often-untold stories: those of creative, compassionate, hard-working Africans bringing health, hope and healing into their respective communities.

Blood:Water Mission first stepped into funding a late stage AIDS hospice and discovered the vital link between living with HIV/AIDS and the need for clean water. As a result, Blood:Water Mission launched the 1000 Wells Project in 2005 as a nation-wide effort to raise enough money to provide clean water and sanitation to 1000 communities in sub-Saharan Africa based on the equation that $1 provides one African with clean water for an entire year.

Since its launch, Blood:Water Mission has raised millions of dollars through the creative efforts of tens of thousands of individuals seeking to make a difference, providing for the completion of the 1000 Wells Project at the end of 2010. To date, we have partnered with more than 1,000 communities in Africa, providing life-saving water and health care for over 600,000 people in 13 different countries. Along the way the 1000 Wells Project has expanded holistically to include a variety of clean water solutions, sanitation and hygiene training, the capacity building of our local grassroots partners to improve their ability to develop sustainable programs, as well as funding health clinics, community health workers, and support groups, which help in the prevention, treatment, care and support of communities affected by AIDS. Although the 1000 Wells Project is completed, we aren't moving on; instead, we are moving deeper. There are still millions without safe water, and our commitment to them continues. Additionally, moving forward we are incorporating HIV/AIDS programs, building on the foundation of ongoing water programming.

The results of our efforts paint a new picture in these communities. Village leaders have the resources and training to bring clean water, sanitation and health care into their communities. Stomach aches, skin diseases and diarrhea have disappeared. Women and children no longer walk several miles a day to carry filthy water. Those with HIV are living longer, stronger lives.

We know these communities. We are connected to them. And through these relationships, we are being transformed, too. Blood:Water Mission's movement engages Americans in social justice, worldview development and thoughtful action. We invite others to be a small part of a larger, beautiful story.