Blood Water Mission

Blood: Water Mission is a grassroots organization that empowers communities to work together against the HIV/AIDS and water crises in Africa.

Co-founded by the multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning band, Jars of Clay, and activist and author, Jena Lee Nardella, Blood:Water Mission began as a call to personalize the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa. Nardella and the members of the band were committed to share the often-untold stories: those of creative, compassionate, hard-working Africans bringing health, hope and healing into their respective communities.

Blood:Water Mission first stepped into funding a late stage AIDS hospice and discovered the vital link between living with HIV/AIDS and the need for clean water. As a result, Blood:Water Mission launched the 1000 Wells Project in 2005 as a nationwide effort to raise enough money to provide clean water and sanitation to 1000 communities in sub-Saharan Africa based on the equation that $1 provides one African with clean water for an entire year.

Since its launch, Blood:Water Mission has raised millions of dollars from individuals seeking to make a difference. They have partnered with more over 800 communities in Africa, providing life-saving water and health needs for over 500,000 people in 13 different countries. Along the way the 1000 Wells Project has expanded holistically to include a variety of clean water solutions and sanitation and hygiene training, as well as funding health clinics, community health workers, and support groups, which help in the prevention, treatment, care and support of communities affected by AIDS, incorporating HIV/AIDS-specific programming alongside ongoing water programming. One such example is a clinic in Lwala, Kenya which is now independently operated and community-led. The Lwala clinic is the focus of the award-winning feature documentary, Sons of Lwala. Sons of Lwala.

The results of Blood:Water Mission's efforts paints a new picture in these communities. Village leaders have the resources and training to bring clean water, sanitation and healthcare into their communities. Stomach aches, skin diseases and diarrhea have disappeared. Women and children no longer walk several miles a day to carry filthy water. Children are able to return to school. Those with HIV are living longer, stronger lives.

The 1000 Wells Project is Blood:Water Mission's main project, which has a goal of providing 1,000 communities in Africa with safe drinking water.

Jars of Clay and other artists (Sara Groves, Christopher Williams, Derek Webb, Forever the Sickest Kids, Sixpence None the Richer, Brandon Heath, Matthew Perryman Jones, Relient K, and many others) as well as authors (Jena Lee Nardella, Donald Miller and Anne Jackson) have been raising funds for the 1000 Wells Project during their concerts since 2005. The organization completed their goal of 1,000 wells in late 2010.

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