Our Story

BY FOUNDER, LORI MANRY

Home. It's where our story begins. And at the very least the places we live should feel safe and secure. But this broken world has children sleeping on bug infested mattresses and pantries that lack sufficient food. There are roofs that don't keep households dry and foundations that won't hold. There are soil floors that invite parasites and illness, and doors that won't tuck a family in safe. It's not okay for people to live this way.

As the pandemic spread like wildfire across the world, a passion began burning in my heart for those whose health and security are daily compromised. Sheltered in the comfort of my home, I sought to rebuild a more secure dwelling for a family I came to know and love during the four years my family lived and worked in Uganda. After the completion of this home, I connected the resources of family and friends to another vulnerable housing need within the same village. These giving opportunities opened my eyes to the prevalent housing needs and how they directly impact the health and well-being of Ugandan households.

I began envisioning a more sustainable approach to home renovation that addresses these widespread issues with solutions that transform whole communities. This vision includes empowering and equipping Ugandans to be part of the solution; inviting them to participate in their own development, and in the progress of those around them ~ neighbors coming alongside one another to build safer homes and stronger community.

Out of this vision Dwell was born: a community project that connects Ugandan neighbors with one another, and with donors, to utilize their collective resources to rebuild vulnerable homes to be safe and secure. In this working together we are partnering with God to make all things new ~ building heaven on earth through restored creation, transformed lives, and reconciled relationships.

This work is an act of practicing what I believe to be true about God and His overwhelming compassion for vulnerable people, and His mission to restore all of creation back to Himself. My vision for this work flows from a conviction that every human deserves a safe place to dwell.