Project Location: Kerala, India
Project Code: CP-IKM1023
The region where our Kerala sponsored families live is an increasingly attractive tourist destination. The local economy depends on tourism, and most families earn their income from the sector. But most jobs are low-level, low-wage work like hotel housekeeping, and employment opportunities are becoming scarce.
As a result of their low incomes, many sponsored children and their families live in homes that are sheds made from tin sheets and tarpaulin, or rental houses. The climate is variable, and there will be six months of rain from June to November. Wild animal attacks, particularly tigers and elephants, are also a common danger in the area.
These factors make proper housing an urgent need, but with their minimal wages, families cannot afford to build sturdy homes. The Kerala sponsor site has therefore partnered with Chalice to build houses for the 15 most vulnerable families.
The local Chalice family circles nominated families, triaged based on financial circumstances, living conditions, number of family members, and women-headed families. Out of 15 selected families, six are women-headed families, including three widows. The families are composed of 66 people, including 29 children, an average of 4-5 people per household.
“Chalice has promised to give us help to build a house for us,” says twelve-year-old Abhilash, whose family of five will receive a new house. “Next year, I’ll write letters sitting in my own house.”
Each 29m2 house will have room for a kitchen, bedroom, hallway, and proper latrine. They will be solid block walls with sheet roofing and PVC ceilings, with concrete foundations and basements. These weather-hardy houses will be fully wired to electricity.
The budget for the 15 homes comes to $120,844.73 CAD, which includes all construction costs and a small salary for the technical supervisor.
Your support will give safe and hygienic houses to eleven vulnerable sponsored and four non-sponsored families of the Kerala site.
Budget in Canadian Funds: $120,844.73 CAD
Please note that any donations that exceed the request will be used to fund other community projects that may arise.
