COVID-19 & STREET-CONNECTED FAMILIES
(Since 2020)
When we were keeping ourselves isolated in our homes with kitchen full of food and fridge full of beverages and keeping ourselves updated though our smart phones, there were people outside who were struggling to even understand the situation. When India announced its first lock-down on 25th March 2020, the only question we were struggling to answer is how the families on street going to save themselves from the Corona Virus and the struggle ahead.
The organization found 3 major gaps during lockdown period:
Lack of Information:
The information was not accessible and appropriate to street- connected families.
Lack of Resources:
During lock-down families were unable to get government aid facilities and struggling to arrange 2 meals a day.
Troublesome Distribution:
During lock-down, so many NGO’s and individuals came forward to provide resources, but as complained by police authorities, the distribution process became more troublesome for them to manage social distancing.
In association with "The Optimistic Citizen."
In association with "Github.com."
FUNDRAISING
RAISED ₹ 2 LAKH
The immediate response was to provide ration and disinfectants so that families do not have to move out of their settlements. We successfully raised funds with the help of https://milaap.org/ to provide at least 21 days ration to nearly 200 street- connected families.
The campaign was supported by platforms including:
https://www.theoptimistcitizen.com/
Next step is to reach out to every single child in street situations to defeat COVID-19. Donate Here!
Our Efforts
THE DELIVERY SYSTEM
Police stations as distribution centers. To reach out to families in a fair and safe manner, we channelized a delivery system with the help of police authorities.
The organization appointed local area youth volunteers to each station, to limit the movement of people to their sub-areas in the city.
THE COLLABORATION
The trained volunteers at the police station helped police authorities to make the process smooth. They also teamed up to come up with best possible processes for their respective areas and implement these ideas.
Volunteers and police officials identified families who were in desperate need of aid and provided it to them
THE DRILLS
The distribution process was largely based on making families aware about the on-going situation and equipping them with right information. The team utilized safety drills for the same, focusing on the knowledge of COVID-19, hygienic measures & maintaining physical distancing. Volunteers also collected information after 15 days, contacted the families on phone to give lock-down updates and understand their challenges.
COVID MENTORSHIP
The COVID Mentorship program began as an emergency response in June 2020, as a sustainable and long-term approach towards addressing issues of the children living in street situations in the pandemic. Anchored by Rag Dreams Weavers Association with support of Consortium for Street Children and Peace First, COVID Mentorship intends to advocate Rights of Street Children during the pandemic.
