Frank’s journey began 20 years ago on a mission trip to Peru. Standing in the dusty streets of Manchay, he was struck by the harsh reality of families living in conditions that couldn’t even be called shelters. “Someone ought to do something,” he thought. And then it hit him…that someone could be him. After two decades of building homes for families in the hills of Manchay, Peru, Frank Bumpus is retiring his charity, The Family of Mankind. And in doing so, he’s chosen to make a very generous donation of $36,000 from his remaining funds to Habitat for Humanity Kerr County.
Building Homes and Building Hope
With the support of a local Catholic priest, Frank launched The Family of Mankind, a mission to bring lasting change to the impoverished community of Manchay, Peru. Through trial and error, Frank and his team developed a home design that was both affordable and durable.
Each house cost around $5,000 and included essentials: a kitchen, storage, and a bed for every single person with no exceptions (a rule set by Frank). Because Manchay has no running water, Frank also raised funds to install large water tanks for the families. As donor support grew, he began hiring local labor, turning the construction process into a source of employment for the community.
Frank built nearly 100 homes, sometimes as many as six in a single month, spending one month each year in Peru. While Frank oversaw construction, his wife Glenda handled logistics from behind the scenes. She was his rock, ensuring everything ran smoothly and making the work possible, year after year.
A Legacy of Compassion Continues
Now, Frank is closing this chapter, but not his commitment to housing. He plans to join Habitat’s Family Selection Committee, continuing to help families in need build strength, stability, and self-reliance. It’s an incredible honor that Frank chose Habitat to carry forward his vision. He cares deeply about his mission and his donors, and to have earned his trust is not something we take lightly.
Frank, thank you for your 20 years of dedicated service to the families in Manchay. Your work has made a lasting, tangible difference in their lives. We are deeply honored that you chose to donate your remaining funds to us. Your generosity will now help bless families in our Mariposa community, continuing the legacy of compassion and impact you’ve built.