Volunteers Needed in New Delhi Flooding 12 September , 2009

Here’s a letter a received today from Shakeel, director of World Faith India, asking for volunteers.  Know anyone in New Delhi?

Dear Friends,

Due to heavy rain in the catchment areas of the Yamuna recently, 4,21,454 cusecs of water was released at Hathnikund on September 11. This has reached  Delhi by Saturday afternoon,  when the Yamuna water level breach the danger mark of 204.83m.

The state government has issued instructions for evacuation of those living in low-lying areas and arrangements are in place for rescue operations.

World faith India Initiatve Haq- A campaign for the homeless activist have been busy the whole day trying to evacuate people from low lying areas.  they have been concentrating on two locations one is in Usmanpura, Teesri Pustha and the other location is Lohawalli Pull near Yamuna bazaar.

At Usmanpura there are 6 tents set up by the DC and accommodating around 1000 to 1500 people. An at yamuna Bazaar there are around 8 tents set up by DC accomodating around 500 to 600 people.

Though the govt had announced all possible help, so far except evacuation ( at some places forcibly) and setting up of tents, nothing else has been offered to the displaced people.

The situation is quite grim. people had to leave their dwellings without taking any of their belongings. most of the people are in desperate need of cooked food, clothes and prevention medicine ( this because they feel that there will be an epidemic once the flood water recedes).

Haq with the help of IGSSS and Goonj is trying to organise food and other immediate needs of the flood affected people. But more help is needed, so if anybody wants to assist in the relief work they should get in touch with

Shakeel ( 0996810498), Lalit, Aman Biradari ( 09968365970), Akbar , Haq ( 09968770890),Bipin, IGSSS ( 09999046469)

Thanks and regards,
Shakeel

Letter from Shakeel 28 August , 2009

Shakeel is our awesome National Director of India.  Starting a few months ago, he has switched to running World Faith India full-time.  He sent me a letter explaining the work they are doing, so far with only $1,000 and I wanted to share it with all of you:

Dear Frank,

Just wanted to update you on recent events in India.

The funds has been transferred. that;s a great relief bcos my team was not able to go on streets for street contacts bcos of lack of money plus the non-formal education center we started was also in danger closing down. BIG THANKS for sending the funds. With this money we were able to buy some books and stationery for the children ( from ragpicking community) attending this education center.

Now we are having 7 members working actively for world faith India Chapter- Haq A Campaign for the rights of Homeless. Nobody is paid salary we all are working for it for free. the names are shakeel, akbar, nandlal, radheshyam, jaiprakash, zenab and lalit. we also have a working group of 21 members which met once a month.

That’s some update. Please let me know any developments from your side on the funding thing. The Indian Chapter is really growing in a very short time. Without any institutional support it will be difficult to sustain it for longer period.Now we need a office, a helpline to deal with crisis, some staff to handle emergencies arising at night, So there are many things where we are not able to intervene due to lack of funds.

Do keep me posted on any development.

thanks and regards,
Shakeel

Photos from informal school: