Building Stronger Communities Through Compassion and Action
At Furaha House, we are committed to uplifting communities by promoting unity, resilience, and lasting change. Our mission centers on empowering individuals through support and resources, guided by values of empathy, integrity, and collaboration.
Heartfelt Stories of Community Impact
Discover how Furaha House empowers communities through dedicated support and meaningful programs.
How Furaha House Inspires Lasting Change
This story highlights how Furaha House addressed local needs with compassion, fostering growth and resilience within communities.
Solange Bingwa -Founder
Solange was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where her passion for community and resilience was shaped early in life. After relocating to the United States nearly two decades ago, she began a journey marked by courage, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping others.
Her path led her from Oregon to Austin, Texas, where she encountered a vibrant yet underserved refugee community facing significant challenges in adapting to a new life. Solange understood the emotional, cultural, and practical hurdles these families faced navigating unfamiliar systems, finding employment, accessing education, and maintaining their cultural identity.
Motivated by her own experiences and a desire to create meaningful change, Solange founded Furaha House a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underserved communities through culturally responsive programs. Under her leadership, Furaha House has become a beacon of hope, offering youth mentorship, women’s empowerment, vocational training, and educational support both in Austin and in Goma, DRC.
Willy B. Muhigirwa -Co-Founder
Willy Muhigirwa is a passionate community advocate and co-founder of Furaha House, a nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Willy has called Austin home for over 20 years. Throughout his time in the city, he has remained deeply committed to uplifting others and creating opportunities for growth and empowerment.
Willy’s dedication to service is reflected in his hands-on involvement with local initiatives that support refugee families, underserved youth, and individuals seeking to improve their lives. Recognizing the challenges many newcomers face, he has helped develop and lead programs that provide practical skills and mentorship such as computer training workshops, after-school enrichment for middle and high school students, and youth leadership development.
His work is driven by a belief in the power of community and the importance of equipping people with the tools they need to succeed. Through Furaha House, Willy continues to build bridges across cultures, foster resilience, and inspire positive change one program, one person, and one story at a time.
Building Stronger Communities Together
Discover upcoming gatherings and initiatives designed to inspire connection and drive positive community impact.
Sewing Training for Widows and Single mothers
At Furaha House in Goma, widows and single mothers are given more than just skills—they’re given a pathway to self-reliance. Through a free, intensive sewing training program lasting six to eight months, participants learn practical techniques, build confidence, and form supportive networks.
Upon completion, each graduate receives a sewing machine, a starter set of fabrics, and essential sewing tools tangible resources to launch their own tailoring ventures or generate income from home. This initiative is more than vocational training; it’s a springboard toward financial independence, dignity, and renewed hope.
Furaha House Learning Center: Empowering Education
To promote youth education and combat illiteracy, Furaha House has established a community learning center equipped with a computer lab that serves multiple educational and digital needs. Digital Access for the Community: The center also functions as a public access point where individuals can check their emails, apply for jobs,.Homework Support for Students: The center provides a quiet, resource rich environment where students can receive help with their homework, access learning tools, and improve their academic performance. Support for Teachers: Educators in the community use the lab to conduct research, prepare lesson plans, and access teaching materials that enhance classroom instruction.