In the highland community of Pulucate, located in the Cantón Colta of Ecuador, daily life was defined by one critical challenge: limited water access. Families relied on a natural spring in the mountains, but without proper equipment, water couldn’t be efficiently delivered to their homes. Women and children often walked long distances to collect water, making daily routines more difficult and limiting opportunities for education and work.

Thanks to the support of a foundation, this reality has changed. With the purchase of a suction pump, water from the spring can now be drawn up the mountain and distributed directly to households. What once required hours of effort each day has now become a reliable and sustainable system.

Community Efforts in Action

The project wasn’t only about equipment. It was about community development, a process that strengthens local leadership, fosters collaboration, and ensures that solutions are created and maintained by the people who benefit from them. Local residents, along with volunteers, worked on the excavation and installation, making sure the system would serve everyone. By working together, they created a long-term solution that goes beyond convenience. Access to clean water reduces health risks, frees up time for families, and improves overall well-being.

Community members expressed their gratitude and joy, knowing this pump would transform their daily lives. Having secure water access means more than just meeting a basic need. It creates dignity and stability for the entire community.

Supporting Low-Income Communities Through Infrastructure

Improving water access is a key step in helping low-income communities thrive. Without clean and reliable water, families face barriers in health, education, and economic growth. Projects like the one in Pulucate show how even a single piece of infrastructure can unlock opportunities and strengthen resilience.

This work aligns with Safe Homes Movement’s broader mission: providing resources that address the root causes of poverty and empower families to build brighter futures. To learn more, explore sustainable water management in South America or see how natural disaster preparedness connects to safe housing and secure communities.

Water Access and Community Health

Improved water access does more than provide convenience—it directly impacts health and quality of life. Before the installation of the pump in Pulucate, families relied on carrying buckets of water, often from sources exposed to contamination. This increased the risk of waterborne illnesses and placed extra stress on children and elderly residents.

With clean water now delivered to homes, the community experiences fewer health problems and spends less time seeking medical treatment. Children can attend school more regularly, and parents can focus on work or farming instead of spending hours collecting water. In this way, secure water access acts as a foundation for better education, improved nutrition, and stronger community resilience.

Water Access as a Foundation for Change

The Pulucate project proves that when communities come together with the right support, they can overcome major barriers. Reliable water access not only improves living conditions but also establishes a strong foundation for healthier families, stronger communities, and greater resilience against future challenges.

If you’re inspired to take part, check out how to join a humanitarian trip abroad or volunteer projects in Costa Rica to see more community-led impact in action.

Safe Homes Movement – Paving the Way for Housing Solutions

Water, housing, and health are deeply connected. By supporting initiatives like this, you help families not just survive, but thrive.

Want to learn more? Download the Safe Homes Movement brochure. If you’re ready to support the work long-term, consider becoming a monthly donor. Every bit counts.