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We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time. Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Mercy's Profile
Mercy's family
Mercy
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
35
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($545 USD)
access_time 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
My life is different than it would have been if I never received the transfer in that I was able to pay all the hospital bills for my spouse who was admitted at the hospital and underwent surgery. Without GiveDirectly I would have sold land and other assets to offset the bills.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirecty does well by giving out money to the poor people in the community to meet their needs, including starting businesses that generate income.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spend my second transfer on to pay hospital bills for my spouse who was admitted and underwent an operation at Tenwek Hospital. I am so happy because this money helped us, we could have sold all our assets to offset the bills.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($548 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my life is that we have progressed and moved from where we were to a better place economically. We have a cow, a shop that is a source of income and a solar panel as energy source. We have been using kerosene to light the house but now we are all lit with solar lamps and my children can study comfortably; the expense of kerosene is no more too. This economic difference in our daily lives has been brought by Give Directly funds and we are grateful.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I was so excited to receive Give Directly funds. I even left the people that I was saying hi to at that moment and ran to my husband to show him the message and funds. We were so happy.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I used Give Directly transfer to buy a cow worth 30000, 10000 KES to stock a shop, bedding 5300 KES, 3000 KES on a solar panel, 1500 KES school uniform and the balance on poultry and food.
 
Enrolled
access_time almost 6 years ago
 
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
We are always dependent on maize farming as a primary crop in this community. Over the recent years this crop has never been performing well, and my family is no exception. A number of shortcomings including a prolonged drought and diseases have taken a toll on its production. This saw my family go without food for close to five years only until at the beginning of this year that we've had consistent rainfall. Starving for such a long time is the biggest hardship I've faced in my life.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Having provided for my family and successfully achieved the day's plans gives me a restful evening. This is the happiest part of my day.
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this amount of money means a breakthrough in my life. I have never received such a windfall before. This means I can do all the things that have just been but ideas in my head. I am so excited and grateful to Give Directly.