Welcome to Papa's House

What began as a single home offering safety, love, and opportunities for a small group of children has grown into a vibrant and multifaceted organization. In its early years, Papa’s House also provided shelter, education, and rehabilitation to girls rescued from the Kamlari system—a deeply exploitative form of bonded child labor that once affected many girls in the far western region of Nepal. Over time, the organization expanded into a broader initiative dedicated to the holistic development of children and young adults through residential care, education, healthcare, and personal guidance.

Four children are sitting in an outdoor setting on a traditional wooden charpai, surrounded by lush green trees. One child is lying on his side on a mattress with a floral pattern. The others are sitting side by side, with two looking directly at the camera. Clothes are hanging on a line in the background, and the atmosphere suggests a relaxed, peaceful day.

Our Journey

Papa’s House was established in 2005 in Nepal with a heartfelt mission to care for orphaned, abandoned, and at-risk children. Founded by Michael Hess—affectionately known as “Papa”—an American who left his life and career in the United States to serve Nepalese children in need, the organization is rooted in compassion, accountability, and the belief that every child deserves dignity, opportunity, and hope for a better future.

What began as a single safe haven known as Harmony House quickly grew into a vibrant and multifaceted organization. By 2014, Papa’s House was home to over 140 children across five residential homes. In its early years, the organization also played a key role in providing shelter, education, and rehabilitation to girls rescued from the Kamlari system—a deeply exploitative form of bonded child labor in western Nepal.

A young child wearing a red and white striped shirt is looking directly at the camera. Another child stands slightly behind, out of focus, with blue hair ties and an orange top. The background is blurred, featuring other children and a structure that resembles a house.

Two children are seated on the floor facing each other in a spacious room with large windows. Both are wearing traditional caps and are engaged in reading or recitation, supported by small wooden lecterns. The room has a reflective tiled floor, a ceiling fan, and a bookcase in the background.

Over the years, more than 170 children have been supported by Papa’s House, many of whom are now grown and contributing actively within their communities across Nepal and around the world. In alignment with its evolving mission and a 2023 directive from Nepal’s Child Rights Council, a transition away from residential care was initiated. As of 2025, although children no longer reside at Papa’s House, the organization continues to provide robust support through educational and family-based assistance. Children attend Skylark School in Dhapasi and participate in after-school enrichment programs at the Chelsea Center. Additional support is extended to four adolescents in Grade 11 and fifteen university students who live independently with ongoing financial assistance. Two young adults completed university in 2024, and fifteen others are pursuing higher education abroad in countries including Australia, Germany, and the United States.Papa’s House remains deeply committed to the holistic development of children and young adults. Through education, healthcare, and personal guidance, it continues to empower youth both within Nepal and abroad. The organization also runs community outreach initiatives, including psychosocial support for children in the oncology ward at Kanti Children’s Hospital, support for visually impaired children at the Blind Protection Society, adult literacy classes for women, and after-school tutoring for students from local government schools.

The Chelsea Center now serves as a hub for ongoing education and community, where current children and alumni gather to celebrate milestones and maintain the familial bonds that began at Harmony House.

Support for Papa’s House was historically provided by Nepal Orphans Home (NOH), a U.S.-based nonprofit that partnered with the organization from its founding. With NOH in the process of closing, future guidance and donor engagement will be facilitated by No Limits Nepal (NLN), a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to continuing the support and mission of Papa’s House.