Tony Camardella, an Alabama resident, is on a 425-mile journey down U.S. 31 to raise    awareness of Hope House, a Christian orphanage in Honduras.

Each time the wheels turned on Tony Camardella’s trike Friday on U.S. 31, the Alabama man drew closer and closer to fulfilling his mission — “Shining a Light on Hope.”

Hope refers to Hope House, a Christian orphanage in Honduras. The 46-year-old’s plan over the next 17 days is to hike, trike or bike more than 425 miles to Mobile while raising funds and awareness for the orphanage, which is located in poverty-stricken San Pedro Sula, Honduras — one of the most violent cities in the world.

Camardella is on a journey that will take him the entire length of Alabama along U.S. 31. He started Friday at the Tennessee line in Ardmore and made it to Athens just before lunch. He will spend time at different churches and youth rallies along the way. Anyone is welcome to join him during any stretch of the journey.

Camardella chose U.S. 31 in Alabama for two reasons. First of all, he and Hope Place founder and director Angie McInvale Altamirano are from Alabama. But, U.S. 31 is also significant to Camardella because to him the three stands for the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and the one signifies Jesus, who is the “way” or  “one way.”

He chose the month of November because it’s a month to give thanks and to reflect on the “blessings” of life.

“I thought if I could change the way people see Highway 31 when they see the sign, maybe just maybe, they will think about Hope House,” Camardella said. “That for me brings it home.”

Establishing Hope

Hope House Honduras was established in 2000 by Altamirano, who was 23 years old at the time. The home is considered a safe haven for children that have been orphaned, abandoned or abused.  

Altamirano’s mission is to hold fast to the promise in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord: plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

In the past 14 years, 30 of the poorest children in Honduras have lived at Hope House.

Currently 20 children from age 1 to 19 call the Christian-based orphanage home. While at the home, they are taught skills to help them break the cycle of poverty. The children receive a Christian education, nutritious meals, medical attention, clothing, shelter, guidance and love and affection, which most had never known.

Two of the children — now young adults — are currently pursuing degrees in the ministry and pre-medicine.

Hope House is currently expanding on a 25-acre spot outside San Pedro Sula. Construction, which includes 10 houses, a school, vocational workshops, recreation areas and gardens, is underway. Plans are for the location to house up to 100 children. In time, the facility will include accommodations for the impoverished and underprivileged children who live nearby.

Camardella told a story about “Baby Mario,” who was found in a garbage bag at birth with his placenta still attached. He is 18 months old and still can’t lift his head. The hope is he can travel to Children’s of Alabama so he can get the treatment he needs.

Getting involved

Camardella, a father of two adult children, was attending the same church as Altamirano’s parents, when he first heard the plans for Hope House. He went on his first mission trip to the location about 12 years ago.  

Camardella returned several times including a mission trip this summer. While in Honduras, he helped build three homes. “God has moved in really big ways,” he said. “Ten churches go together … and we were able to build three homes in one summer, which is pretty amazing. And, everything is paid for.”

Camardella was on the mission trip when he felt the need to share what was happening at the orphanage with others.

He explained there is no shortage of children, which he said is unfortunate. Camardella said it’s about preparing and doing it right. He stressed Altamrano’s motto, “It’s better to do 100 percent for 10 than 10 percent for 100.”

“The reason I’m walking is the kids … The single biggest need is regular monthly giving,” he said. “People who will support the everyday costs of raising up to 100 children. It really is a matter of lots and lots of people doing just a little bit. “

Those who would like to help support the work at Hope House, can make a donation to Camardella in person while he travels across the state, visit https://squareup.com/market/mission-118 or by mailing Hope House Project No. 101-9026-027 c/o World Missions, P.O. Box 8016, Cleveland, TN 37320.

To find out more, visit www.hopehouse.info.