May 1, 2024

Applewood Plumbing Helps Build Bathrooms in Nepal with NIVAS

Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric is having an impact locally and globally through a special partnership with NIVAS, a Colorado nonprofit that outfits rural communities in Nepal with safe and sanitary bathrooms.

The NIVAS Mission

NIVAS aims to improve the livelihood of underserved families in Nepal by providing better housing opportunities. By sponsoring this effort, Applewood has supported the Nepalese communities through 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.”

Dedication and Progress

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 bathrooms 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.”  

Serving Families and Communities

According to Kruger, these bathrooms serve more than just one family. They 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.

Teaching Valuable Skills

NIVAS has been able to have a dramatic impact for the communities where they work. More than 180 people have gained new trade skills, resulting in more than 5,700 days of work with a stable income. The program is helping women-led families to live in safe, secure and sanitary environments. Further, more than 200 community members attended construction trainings and 12 more developed advanced job skills.

According to the World Health Organization, 80% of Nepal’s population uses 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, where they will 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.

Serving Colorado and Beyond

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.