In both the news, and our day-to-day lives we are bombarded with social issues that demand our attention. In San Francisco, it is a challenge just to make the morning commute without being reminded of the concerns surrounding homelessness and our dependency on oil. In a world that habitually calls for action, it is easy to become overwhelmed. For this reason, I have focused my own social efforts on issues that have personal resonance. The concept of home appeals to me on many levels, and has for most of my life. Home is our sanctuary, our source of nurturance, our touchstone and even a physical expression of who we are. Answering this fundamental need is the inspiration for my work both as a real estate agent in San Francisco, and as an advocate for domestic issues abroad. To learn more about the projects that I am currently involved in please continue reading below.

Center for Children's Happiness

The Center for Children's Happiness rescues orphaned and impoverished children who support themselves by scavenging through waste at the Steung Meanchey landfill outside Phnom Penh in Cambodia. The children are brought to an extraordinary residential care facility, where they receive food, housing, education, love, and the inspiration to aspire toward educated and productive lives. The Center for Children's Happiness was founded in 2002 by Mr. Mech Sokha, who was himself, orphaned during the Cambodian genocide of the late 1970's. CCH currently cares for over 80 children.

Personal Contribution

For every child taken in by CCH, the expense is approximately $600 per year. And while CCH has rescued over 80 children from the Steung Meanchey landfill, there are many more who are still without homes. In effort to support both new and existing children, I donate $600 to the Center for Children's Happiness on every real estate transaction I close. For more information on CCH, please visit the following site:

http://www.vantuyl.info/cch.html