I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to share some important news about Inshuti of Rwanda, a journey we have all been privileged to share together over the past eleven years. None of our accomplishments of— building 121 homes, sheltering 680+ people, and creating over 165 jobs per building season—would have been possible without the incredible hard work, dedication, and love each of you has brought to this mission. The impact we’ve made together is immeasurable, and it is all thanks to your selflessness and commitment.

It is with a heavy heart that I must let you know we have made the difficult decision to cease building houses in Rubavu. Despite our relentless efforts and the dedication of everyone involved—construction crews in Rwanda, staff, the Inshuti community, volunteers, board members, interns, and every team member—we have encountered challenges that we simply cannot overcome. 

Our decision is based on three key factors: first, our application for NGO registration in Rwanda was denied in 2025- rendering us nonoperational in the country. Second, funding has increasingly become challenging. We are no longer meeting our fundraising goals. We worked so hard over the last year or two to prepare/market ourselves for larger funding through grants or family foundations, and the reality is— we don’t qualify for many of them. I think the situation will only worsen because of the politics in the United States, and that is where most of our funding comes from. Lastly, the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly around Goma, has made it increasingly difficult for us to work safely and effectively in the region.

Even as we close this chapter, please know that the spirit of Inshuti remains alive and strong within the families we have helped. Inshuti promised homes to 10 families, and we are wholeheartedly committed to keeping that promise. We have the resources to build these 10 homes, plus more in 2025, and we are working closely with local organizations to ensure these houses are completed with the same care and dedication that have guided us since 2014.

What we have achieved together—every home, every life touched—is something we can all take immense pride in. As volunteers, you have made an extraordinary impact, not only on the families we’ve served but on the Inshuti community as a whole. Your time, energy, and dedication have allowed us to accomplish incredible feats, and because of you, many people have brighter futures.

I’ve had the incredible privilege of witnessing firsthand how you’ve changed lives—whether by building homes, working on numerous back-end projects, participating in countless meetings, helping with fundraising, or supervising interns. All of these essential efforts have enabled us to shelter families and create jobs, impacting the entire Inshuti community.

While this is a bittersweet moment, I want to express my deepest gratitude for everything you have done. Your belief in our mission and hard work have done more than you can imagine for Inshuti families, masons, and our workers. I will forever be grateful for you being a part of this beautiful Inshuti community. 

With Deepest Gratitude,

Rosa