Frequently Asked Questions
Where do the kids get money for the things they need?
Many of the children who live here, do have some family somewhere, so many of them recieve small amounts of money to help pay for essential clothing, soap and medicine. Some families, who's children are here only because they do not have a school near to their home, are even able to contribute to the cost of the kid's food. However, all of the abandoned or orphaned children recieve small amounts of money from the pastor's family whenever they can help. The pastor's family and other staff have international supporters that help to cover their cost of living, but little else.
What is the facility like?
One main building houses the pastor's family, visiting missionaries and all of the children. In the center of it, there is a kitchen and a main room, used for church, homework and activities. There is a small room with two computers for the kids to use, and office space for the pastor. In addition to the main building, there are four bamboo huts for staff/guests. Sila Home farms cookable mushrooms to sell, has four cows, and raises chickens for sale.
How do the kids find out about Sila Home?
Most of the kids at Sila Home now found out about it through a family member or a person in their tribe. In the future, Sila Home hopes to meet government requirements (funding and staff based) that would allow them to take in orphaned/abandoned babies and children from hospitals and after arrests.
Are there spots availible for more children to come?
Until they have more financial support and are able to expand Sila Home has a limit of 40 children. There is a waiting list of children who are currently have no oppurtunity to be educated or are orphaned and have no home.
Are there other similar homes in the area?
Yes. In the Northern Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai area (3 hour driving radius) there are multiple other similar homes including Kids Life, Good News church (which was started by the same pastor as Sila Home) and a secular care home started by the organization Not For Sale. Each of those house close to 100 children, but many other smaller homes exist. A great need still exists, however, for places for impoverished, orphaned or neglected children to live.
Does the Thai government house orphaned children?
No. Abandoned or orphaned children are left to fend for themselves or survive at the mercy of neighbours or reletives, especially in the hilltribes. There are homes for some children, but they are primarily for children caught commiting a crime. These facilities consider the children delinquents, deny them access to education and do not foster a positive environment or Christian community.