Amani ya Juuhelps women in Kenya, Uganda and Liberia earn a living by creating hand-made goods. The African fair-trade organization has Chattanooga roots--the founder, Becky Chinchen, is a Chattanooga native, and the organization's United States distribution center islocated here on South Willow Street in the Ridgedale community near downtown.
The building dates back to the 1940s and needs repairs. Volunteers have fixed a leaky roof, and are now replacing broken windows and constructing a storefront. They may add a cafe as well. It will give the Ridgedale community a place to come gather, give local residents a new place to shop for handmade, fair-trade goods, and it will help hundreds of African women earn a living.
Credit Molly Gardner Photography