We have had opportunities to be used as vessels for relief efforts to flood affected families in Kerala, India. We have sponsors who have donated towards this exclusive cause!
$1,200 has been raised thus far, and $1,000 has been used towards the cause. We have bought two mattresses, three gas stoves, groceries, clothes and toiletry items. All items were distributed in three different areas among 33 families. The complete bills and accountability will be given to Grace Klein Community. We have distributed food, toiletries and clothing kits in our neighborhood, to 30 families. We enjoyed encouraging flood affected families during this time of grief.
$200 of the $1,200 still remains from the money raised towards helping families affected by the flood. We are still raising funds to refurbish houses in Tamil colony, Pathalam area. We are struggling to come out of the chaos that the recent floods caused. People who have strong homes and money could restart their lives, but people without concrete houses and living in poverty are battling and miserable.
The pictures below were taken with a heavy heart from a colony where Tamilians live. They (28 families) came as immigrants and built shacks on government useless land, illegally. The government did not take any action, and at the same time, does not care for these families. During the floods these shacks were completely submerged. They were made up of plastic sheets and very loose wooden frames. Our hearts broke seeing their condition.
The remaining $200 will be used to refurbish these Tamilian homes, but the money is not sufficient. Government might provide money to refurbish homes of the local Kerala people, but not for these families. Most of these people have daily labor jobs and I cannot imagine having to return home each day to these living conditions. Many of the families also have children. Some families do not have floor tiles in these shacks and they are still wet and they cannot sleep there. The smell is bad as well. Families are still living in camps, though officially, these camps have been dissolved. During the day time, families attempt to clean their homes or go to work. During the night they sleep in a nearby government building. Their temporary resting place will not be allowed for much longer as the government built this building for other purposes.
If you feel led to contribute toward the rebuilding of the Tamilian homes, here is how you can give:
Online: http://bronwynslater.co.za.www404.jnb1.host-h.net/pearls-of-slum-india/
Check donations can be mailed to: Grace Klein Community, 1678 Montgomery Hwy #104, Birmingham, AL 35216. Please include “India Flood Relief” in the memo line.
*Names changed out of respect for the slum dwellers