Listening First: How Families Are Selected for the Impacting Homes Pillar

Before a family receives a smoke-free stove and water filter, our team carries out a socioeconomic study in the community to ensure that support reaches those who need it most. This process begins with conversations and home visits, where we listen to each family’s story and learn about their daily reality. During these visits, we observe living conditions such as access to basic resources, the structure of the home, and whether cooking takes place inside sleeping areas.

Some households have televisions or motorcycles, while others live in extreme poverty, without proper floors or separate kitchen spaces. By understanding each family’s situation, we are able to determine whether they qualify for the program. These visits are not inspections, but moments of connection and trust. They allow us to make fair and informed decisions while honoring the dignity of every family we meet.

This careful selection process ensures that our cookstove program is both responsible and impactful. It allows us to focus our efforts where they will make the greatest difference—improving health, safety, and quality of life for families living in the most vulnerable conditions.