Around the world, rising fuel, food, and transportation costs are creating new challenges for many communities. The World Food Programme reports that over 345 million people are facing acute food insecurity, while The IMF and World Bank continue to warn that inflationary pressures are disproportionately affecting low-income, import-dependent countries.
These global realities are being felt at HopeChest CarePoints, where our in-country staff continues serving children and families amid changing economic conditions. CarePoints remain open and programming continues, but increased costs are making travel, project oversight, and day-to-day operations more complex.
And yet, there is hope. Through your partnership, CarePoints remain steady places of care and consistency for children and families during this time.
Here is what we are currently seeing in the field.
A vivid look at the current fuel crisis in Ethiopia
Ethiopia
Fuel shortages and rationing across Ethiopia are limiting travel and increasing operational costs. HopeChest Ethiopia staff is spending more time securing fuel, which slows project oversight and delays progress on new initiatives. Programming continues, but the rising cost of transportation and materials is making it more difficult to move community projects forward.
Across the country, long lines at fuel stations and strict rationing for essential services are slowing transportation and daily operations. In some areas, vehicles wait hours—sometimes days—for fuel, affecting travel, supply delivery, and project timelines.
Fuel Lines in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Photos and video provided by Milkias “Mickey” Taye, Children’s HopeChest Ethiopia Country Director
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Taken April 22, 2026
Uganda
Rising global fuel prices are creating ripple effects across Uganda. Transportation costs have increased significantly, which in turn is driving up food prices, agricultural inputs, and overall cost of living. These changes are affecting both families and CarePoint operations. Currency fluctuations are also impacting planning and budgeting.
In-country staff are navigating increased operational expenses while working to maintain consistent programming. Despite these challenges, CarePoints continue serving children and supporting families as communities adjust to the rising costs.
Magoro CarePoint, Uganda | April 18, 2026
Children at Magoro CarePoint gathered together for a joyful day, each receiving a meal and a bag reading, “JESUS LOVES ME.” Inside were simple but meaningful essentials: soap, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. Even amid rising costs and transportation challenges, children are still gathering, learning, and receiving consistent care.
Kenya
Communities in Kenya are experiencing multiple layers of impact tied to rising fuel costs and regional instability. Higher transportation expenses are increasing the cost of food and essential services, placing additional strain on families.
The planting season has also been affected. Delays in fertilizer imports have reduced availability, and prices for the fertilizer that is available have doubled, making it difficult for small-scale farmers to plant as planned. This has implications for both household income and future food security.
In many communities, kerosene—commonly used for lighting—has become difficult to access. This is affecting daily routines and making evening study time more challenging for children.
Employment has also been impacted in some areas. At Mt. Elgon, reduced flower exports have led to layoffs at local farms, where many community members are employed. Together, these factors are contributing to increased inflation and added pressure on families.
Guatemala
In Guatemala, protests tied to rising gas prices have led to occasional roadblocks across parts of the country. While not constant, these disruptions have at times delayed travel to CarePoints and affected program logistics.
At the same time, higher fuel costs are increasing food prices, raising expenses at both the household and CarePoint level.
“The high cost of fuel is increasing the cost of food which will affect the expenses at a CarePoint level.”
— Carolina Cardona, Children’s HopeChest Guatemala Country Director
CarePoints Continue Serving Children
Despite these challenges, CarePoints remain open and children continue receiving consistent care. Country staff are adjusting schedules, prioritizing essential services, and making thoughtful decisions to steward resources well.
Thanks to partners like you, HopeChest’s programming continues. Children are still attending programs. Families are still receiving support. Communities remain connected to consistent care. Your partnership helps provide stability, even as costs rise.
How You Can Pray
Please join us in praying for:
Ethiopia
Fuel access and continued progress for community initiatives
Uganda
Families navigating rising transportation and food costs
Kenya
Communities affected by farming challenges and limited fuel access
Guatemala
Consistent travel to CarePoints and stable food costs
Please also pray for wisdom for country leaders as they navigate rising expenses and make daily operational decisions, and ultimately for the Peace of Christ to reign in the world.
How You Can Give
Your ongoing partnership already helps sustain CarePoints around the world. If you feel led, you can also give where needed most to help offset rising operational costs and maintain consistent care for children and families.
Flexible funding allows country teams to respond to changing needs, continue serving communities, and move forward critical initiatives without interruption.
We will continue sharing updates in the coming weeks. Thank you for standing with children, families, and communities around the world.
