'Adopt A Village' Project

Post Tsunami Reconstruction and Re-Settlement

How an organization responds to a crisis truly shows how committed it is to charitable causes. Although HCI’s main focus is on disability issues, the directors of HCI sprung in to action as soon as they became aware of the Tsunami disaster.

These are the trying times, when we can truly make a difference. It is every individual’s responsibility to do what they can for the fellow beings.  Though millions of dollars have gone to help Tsunami victims, only a fraction has gone to India. HCI has taken the onus upon itself to have tangible evidence of its commitment. The obligation will extend further over the next few years to ensure the comfortable settlement of the survivors.  Donors will be able to visit and see the results of their kindness.  

Handi-Care Intl. is adopting the village of Thonithurai in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu.  This village was totally wiped out by the disaster on Dec. 26, 2004. 17 houses were affected rendering the occupants homeless and a number of residents were injured. There is a dire need to build 17 houses to resettle the survivors in this village.

HCI has chosen this village based on the fact that it is one of the many villages that needs immediate reconstruction and is of manageable size. We are confident in the generosity of our community to rise to the occasion and succeed in this feat.

Needs and Planned activities:

>     Permanent Shelters for the 17 affected families:  Construction of disaster resistant homes with sturdy roofs.

>    Common infrastructure: Construction of roads with storm water drains, rain water harvesting facilities, drinking water supplies, solid waste disposal pits, sanitary complex, community center and street lighting.

>     Land for relocation of permanent settlement and common infrastructure will be provided free of cost by the Tamil Nadu Government.

>     Livelihood rehabilitation, Restoration, Replacement of boats, catamarans and fishing nets: Assessment of the extent of damages to the means of livelihood for individual families has been done.  While some need repairing, others need replacement and there is a necessity to replace all nets.  Where heavy expenditure for the replacement of merchant boats is required, it is proposed to be done on a community ownership basis.

>     Handi-Care Intl. will undertake this endeavor enlisting the help of a partner NGO (Non governmental org) in India.

>    All construction plans and layouts are as per the Govt. legislation pertaining to this Tsunami reconstruction and it will be implemented throughout India.    

 >    The duration of construction will be 6 to 8 months and HCI will follow-up with the families for the next 2-3 years.

>   This project will be monitored by the HCI team on a regular basis.

WHAT IS THE COST?

The cost is $4600 (Cdn) per house.

$4600 will build a house with all basic necessities as detailed under the first 3 planned activities. Each household will be resettled and specialized counseling will be offered to the mentally distraught members.

Additional funds will be required to sponsor the orphaned children to integrate them with relatives or other families in the same community.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

1.    Adopt a house for $4600.

2.    Gather a group of friends and Adopt a house.

4.    Pledge any amount and 100% will go towards our “Adopt a Village” project.

5.   Tax receipts will be issued for all donations, making it easier for you to adopt individual houses.

6.   Donors' names will be inscribed on the house and everyone is encouraged to visit the village to see the development.