"My husband and I are both very old, and we both rely entirely on my son's financial support to get by. The greatest challenge I've faced in finding and putting something on the table has been my health. My husband was in an accident and broke his leg; as a result, he can only do lighter jobs and cannot perform manual labor. When I got my February transfers, I spent $30 on three pieces of iron sheeting. My house is in a terrible state. Every time it rains, rainwater enters the house through the numerous holes in the rusted, brown iron sheets. My health has been significantly impacted by the large cracks that have appeared in the mud walls, which have allowed cold air to enter during the night. Due to the size of his own family, my son, who I rely on, is unable to assist me in building a decent home. He has five school-age children, so juggling his family's needs with mine and my husband's is a huge responsibility. Along with purchasing the iron sheets, I also used the remaining $4 to purchase some food that my husband and I shared. I am appreciative of the unconditional transfers, which go a long way toward assisting me in leading a better life."

"My wife, Selly deals in the grocery business. She purchases the products in Eldama Ravine on market days which is Mondays and Thursdays and sells them in the village. She moves from house to house selling the products. It is a good business that has sustained us for a while now though the business suffered a major blow when part of the capital was used to pay school fees. It is for this reason that we intend to inject part of the transfers to boost her capital.We are extremely happy that this transfer will be a big enabler to breathe a new lease of life to the business which had otherwise hit on headwinds. We intend to use $ 300 to add to her capital and revamp on her business. The rest of the money will go toward purchase of a water tank and wire mesh for fencing the compound."

"Water is a scarce resource in our area and that has been the case since I was born. We used to travel several kilometers to access water for domestic use, as a result, we were strained and even people relocated to better places in search of water. Six months ago, the county government launched a borehole drilling 500 meters away and we have been able to get water in plenty. As a resident, I am happy and thankful to God as I easily access clean water and also my livestock which increases milk production."

"My biggest challenge is poverty.The crops we grow need another investment to get better yields. We can not even afford fertilisers to put in our crops.Our income is low yet we have last of needs.As a head of a family,I fail to make a clear budget for my family due to poor income. When it rains,water floods affecting us by Wasing away our crops down the slope,I fear planting because its risky.During the rainy season,water enters our houses making it unfavourable to stay."

"The main challenge that we are facing is the constant land slides that keep happening in our village. This is the second home that we have constructed since 2016. Our former house was demolished in the landslides that happened in Bunashirwe village and demolished upto makhonje village. Now the water comes from uphill and penetrator through the wall causes this house to be soggy and cold to the extent we have to cook from the house inside. Our kitchen was destroyed last year. We also stay near many trees which are harbouring predator birds like eagles that come and take our chicken while we r infront or away."

"Am planning on constructing a better house with three rooms having about 10 iron sheets. Water enters this house when it rains, that's why I want to cement my house that I am going to build. This will cost about $400 to have a comfortable home. This will ensure that I have safety even the water comes heavily."

"It has been eight years since I built the current shelter. Over the period, the grass-thatched roof has worn out, causing water to leak when it rains. As a result, I wish to build a new two-room house, made of mud walls and a tin roof. Approximately, the entire project will cost me $700, which I cannot raise at once. Alternatively, I plan to buy two iron sheets every month until I assemble enough for the construction. Then I will secure more materials like building poles and nails, and later hire someone to take on the exercise. Installing a decent shelter for my family would make them so happy. "

"Due to the drought that has impaired crop farming in my region, I am forced to buy food and water, which is becoming expensive as commodity prices are rising. My job of weaving mats and baskets is also affected as the materials, such as palm leaves dried out from lack of rain. To be honest, if it were not for the cash transfers, I would have been malnourished from hunger;  am relieved that Give Directly brought the financial aid. When I received the recent cash transfers, my household had run out of food for the previous day, and I spent $28 on buying maize flour and water. Although the food did not serve my family until the end of the month, am glad that we enjoyed regular meals for the first few days. I used the remaining $6 to buy two chickens for rearing. As these chickens breed, I can easily sell them to purchase food and ensure that my family enjoys regular meals. "

"Like how I spent the previous transfers, I secured an iron sheet worth $9 through the recent transfer. The goal is to accumulate at least 12 pieces and build a new house. I have been seeking shelter from my niece’s house because my current house has large openings on the walls, which were left after the mud disintegrated. Having bought the iron sheet, I used every remaining cent on food and water to support my son in providing for the family. Am grateful because my family rarely sleeps hungry as it previously used to. "

"We currently face a problem of flash floods which affect the house whenever it rains. As result we lack where to sleep sometimes dueto too much water in the house."