Project Location: Madurai, India
Project Code: IMM0821

Background: Chalice has partnered with the Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod (Madurai provincialate) in rural, urban, and remote tribal communities of Tamil Nadu since 1997. Families in the area face high rates of illiteracy (especially among women), unemployment and HIV/AIDS.

Chalice community projects - Construction of 25 new houses for families, Madurai, IndiaRural families rely on agriculture, which is challenging due to a dry climate and an unpredictable monsoon season. Families struggle with marginalization, lack of sanitation, and poor health. A driving factor behind these challenges is a lack of adequate housing and toilet facilities. Families without their own home can face social stigma, and without latrines, do not have a hygienic place to meet their needs. This spreads disease and keeps children home from school.

The Madurai sponsor site staff have identified 12 families of sponsored children and 13 non-sponsored families, who are in most need of proper housing and latrine facilities. Their current homes (frequently huts) are either damaged or rented, and none have proper toilets. The cost of building a new home for themselves is far beyond these families' humble means. Each household averages four to five people, with some having up to 10 members. Among the 115 people who comprise the families, there are 63 children and 52 elders.

The income earners of each of the families have casual, low-wage work, most largely unspecialized, with a couple of people doing cleaning, some drivers, and similar work. They earn enough for their families' daily needs, but the cost of a new home is beyond their means.

The families are spread among four of the communities our Madurai sponsor site serves. Given the communities' different environments and terrains, the construction plan for the houses in each community will be slightly different. The homes are an average of 20m2 including a kitchen, hall, and attached washroom facility on the rear wall. They will be constructed of concrete brick walls with tin roofs. Parents will contribute to their homes in-kind by providing some voluntary labour and contribute whatever construction materials they can.

The total cost for all 25 homes is $114,214.31 CAD, which includes all the construction labour and materials, a brief orientation meeting for the families, and any small overhead costs. Each home therefore costs approximately $4,569 CAD to build. This amount has been offset by the in-kind contributions of the families, which has an estimated value of $12,148 CAD. Your support will bring dignity, security, and hygiene to 155 people most in need, and a safe, clean home for 63 children.

Budget in Canadian Funds: $114,214,31 CAD

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Please note that any donations that exceed the request will be used to fund other community projects/programs that may arise.

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