“Our Mission is to support sustainable development by equipping individuals and organizations with simple, low-cost water purification and sanitation technologies.”

About Cup of Hope International
Cup of Hope International (CHI) is a non-profit organization that works to make household clean water a reality for the poorest of the poor.  We do this by teaching and training missions agencies, NGO’s, non-governmental agencies, churches, businesses, and individuals to build low cost and simple water purification technologies, and implement them into the projects and nations in which they work.
CHI was started by Michael Webb after witnessing first-hand the devastating effects of a lack of clean water in Cambodia. He had traveled there to start an aquaculture project, but quickly realized that the drinking water situation needed much more immediate attention. He had heard about the BioSand water filter, and coincidently was carrying a copy of the plans for building them. He hired a local Cambodian business to build a steel mold for pouring the filters and was able on a subsequent trip to get a business started building filters. CHI was born out of the desire to use simplicity when addressing clean water issues in projects in developing nations, and continues to keep simplicity at the heart of what we do, whether training a missions group going to Peru, or finding other technologies that would work in other situations.

The BioSand Filter
The BioSand Filter can be produced locally anywhere in the world because it is built using materials that are readily available.  It is simply a concrete container, enclosing layers of sand and gravel that filter out and eliminate sediments, pathogens and other impurities from the water.

Micro-Economic Development
In the implementation of a water project, CHI teaches the model of encouraging local business leaders to start new enterprises that can keep the project going long after any initial “Western” team has left. The idea is to create a self sustainable project that does not rely on input or expertise from an outside individual or organization. This model ensures the success of a water project, and increases the impact that the water project may have. The micro-economic development model also enables people mired in poverty to engage in self-employment and generate income.

What is the role of Cup of Hope International?
CHI provides technical training in the production and implementation of the Biosand filters. We also upon request provide consulting services for the small businesses, in order to ensure success, and to make sure that water gets to those who need it the most. 
CHI also offers networking for anyone interested in learning more about developing water projects in places that we are not able to get to. Because there are many organizations working in the area of water, there are also many opportunities for people to work together and ensure the success of each project.