Countries You Can Help
Democratic Republic of Congo
 The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has known the turmoil of war and fragile peace since 1960. Most recently, DRC has begun its recovery from a five-year war that began in 1998. Despite peace since 2003, threat of civil war still looms. DRC is rich in natural resources and has the potential to revive its economy. However, the 2009 World Bank "Doing Business" report once again ranked DRC as the hardest environment in which to conduct business worldwide, while Transparency International ranks DRC as the second-least transparent economy in the world. These rankings indicate significant barriers to investment and business growth in the sector. Many workers have been pushed into the informal economy, contributing to the tremendous need for HOPE's services. Disease and violence compound the problems of poverty in DRC where millions live on less than $1 per day.
HOPE in DRC
 Despite political instability, HOPE has thrived in DRC and continues to expand in an effort to meet the great demand for its services. Through microlending, HOPE has impacted lives in many communities in DRC. Clients have opened stalls in the market, increased profits from already existing businesses, and used their additional incomes to provide for their families and give back to their communities and churches.
HOPE is Expanding!
 HOPE's success in the Democratic Republic of Congo has strategically positioned the program for expansion just across the Congo River into Brazzaville, the capital of neighboring Republic of Congo. Local staff members in DR Congo have been exhorting program leadership to expand HOPE's services to those living in poverty just across the border and are excited that soon political boundaries will no longer block HOPE's expansion. By July 2009, HOPE expects to be fully operational in Brazzaville.
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