COVID-19 Relief Work (Since March 2020)
LIFE DURING THE LOCKDOWN
In the wake of the pandemic and ensuing lockdown, we want to draw your attention to the grave situation which vulnerable and high-risk groups face. These are trying times and people across the world, having faced the emerging dangers are making an effort to stay healthy mentally as well as physically within the safe spaces of their homes. However, everyone is not as privileged and have to face the hardships which are now amplified by the pandemic! We have all seen heart-wrenching images of the daily wage workers and read about the increasing number of domestic violence which women are facing. The homeless young women too belong to these groups, where many were rebuilding their lives but the lockdown has put a stop to all their life plans, putting them in situations where they may again become homeless.
Where there is this grim reality, we also have stories of hope and collaboration! We too experienced it, with our wellwishers and supporters stepping forward to support our immediate needs at the time. Even before the lockdown was announced we had started putting in place a contingency plan, keeping in mind the wellbeing and safety of the homeless young women. Although the journey is still long and uncertain, we tread on knowing that we have the backing of everyone who has been a part of the journey of homeless young women!.In this we share with you, the challenges faced by the young women and vulnerable families along with the interventions that have been initiated with zeal and passion by our team members during the lockdown.
JOURNEY OF HOMELESS YOUNG WOMEN
With the indefinite lockdown in place since March, the homeless young women are faced with multiple uncertainties pertaining to jobs, healthcare, affording essentials, to name a few. During these chaotic times, we have 2 individuals living at our shelters 24 hours, looking after the daily on-goings. Adding to that we have been in constant touch with those young women living independently, who along with not being able to afford essentials like foodgrain and cooking gas, face unemployment and are also unable to pay their rent, which poses as a looming threat of them being asked to vacate their homes.
We were able to reach out to 71 young women and assist them with essentials, economic support, counselling, casework, and any other need. We are in conversation with more young women who will be needing support during the lockdown and after that too!
The COVID-19 crisis has played havoc with everyone's lives, however, its repercussions were felt by the marginalised sections the most! The daily wage workers, migrants, those without ration cards, and many such groups are left with no work, income, essentials, and even home! As a collective, our team identified and distributed essentials kits to 152 such families. We have been able to reach out to families in different parts of Mumbai, Kalwa, Belapur, and Borili-NMandla in Raigad District and plan to assist more families in the coming months.
HOMELESS NEED YOUR SUPPORT
It’s been almost 2 months since the country went into lockdown! Many have been impacted adversely by the pandemic, including the homeless young women and families of daily wage workers and migrants. Anticipating the immediate and lasting repercussions on these vulnerable and homeless groups, URJA has been assisting them since day one of the lockdown by providing a safe space, health and hygiene essentials, foodgrains, and economic assistance. However, we cannot do this alone and need your support during these difficult times! We have initiated a fundraiser on Milaap and would love your partnership in these tough times.
CORONA AWARNESS PROGRAMME
In various villages of Single Teacher Schools Acharya's have done Corona Awareness Programme to the STS Kids and the Villagers by giving Masks and 'KABA JURA KUDINEER' and also taught about Social Distancing and Hand Washing . Kaba Jura Kudineer is given on Daily basis. Library Books were Distributed to the students of Single Teacher Schools.
| Village Name | Achariya's Name | Sanch | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melkalathur | Tamilarasi | Arakkonam | Mask and Kaba Jura Kudineer |
| Kunnathur Colony | Devi | Arakkonam | Mask and Kaba Jura Kudineer |
| Melkalathur Colony | Ranjitha | Arakkonam | Mask and Kaba Jura Kudineer |
| Keeranoor | Mutharasi | Mayavaram | Library Book Distribution |
| Keezha Pathi | Elakkiya | Mayavaram | Library Book Distribution |
OUR FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19
Pragatee foundation has identified district coordinators/volunteers and partnered with various NGOs and local organizations to donate covid 19 kits to daily wagers, migrant workers, street children, single parents, old widows, and street dwellers, who have been worst hit by the lock-down. These kits would include basic ration and hygiene supplies for those in dire need.
We will distribute these food packets to the underprivileged community from the tribal areas of Palghar and Raigad district in the first phase of a campaign called Feed the needy in Rural India. Please find an attached quotation and account details for your kind reference.
1. S.S. TRADING CO. Tal: Jawhar Dist: Thane-Palghar
| Name of the District | Palghar |
| Name of the Coordinator | Mr. Pranay Dhamal / Mr. Pritam Patil (Pragatee Foundation) |
| Number of Beneficiary Families | 30 |
| Rate per Meal Packet | Rs. 778/- |
| Total Payment | Rs. 23,340/- |
M/s. Vinodkumar Dilipkumar & Co. At post: Pali Tal: Sudhagad Dist: Raigad
| Name of the District | Raigad |
| Name of the Coordinator | Mr. Balaji Rathod / Mr. Vyankat Kagane (Pragatee Foundation) |
| Number of Beneficiary Families | 30 |
| Rate per Meal Packet | Rs. 792/- |
| Total Payment | Rs. 23,760/- |
FEED THE NEEDY IN RURAL INDIA
We are incredibly grateful for your recent donations of groceries to the underprivileged communities for the campaign "Our Fight Against Covid-19; Feed the Needy in Rural India" in the state of Maharashtra. These are uncertain times, and we especially appreciate your generosity and the commitment you’ve expressed to our community.Our team members and volunteers are working around the clock to deliver quality services to underprivileged community people through various social campaigns. Your donation helps all of us further our ability to succeed during this unprecedented pandemic crisis.
We have successfully distributed Groceries packets (KITS) to the underprivileged community people from the rural part of Palghar and Raigad districts in Maharashtra state. We are able to distribute more than 70+ families from the said area in the month of April/May 2021 with the help of your support.Thank you for being our partner. Your generosity and confidence in our work means the world to us. Thank you for playing your important role, too, in the campaign "Our Fight Against Covid-19". We need everyone’s help to defeat this situation.
