project update

comittment rececieved so far from donors : ~ $12,000

Projects executed so far in India

• distribution of stainless steel pots to about 1000 families - ~ $3200
• distribution of books/notebooks to school childred - ~ $600

Projects that will be executed in the next 2-3 weeks

• repair of nets/boats for a few fishermen families - ~ $3000

Projects being investigated for longer term relief

• build houses for a handful of families - this will be basically by taking part in a larger effort in an area near chidambaram, where around 300 houses are planned to be built; each house can house 2 families, and costs around $2000. cost of resettling a family (buy utensils, household supplies etc.) is estimated to be around $500. For a total of around $5000-$5500, we can help settle 2 families. decision to be made in the next 2-3 weeks.
• build a community hall for a village near kalpakkam - kanchipuram district collecter recommended this project; community hall will help for village gatherings and during rain - expected cost is around $12000. this is being investigated for (i) utility value, and (ii) permission from the local authorities for land etc.
• help with retraining for families affected - especially for families that have lost the main breadwinner - this is being investigated.. more details as we get more information
• expansion of fish net/boat repair effort to more families.

for questions, in India, please contact srI TNS Narayanan @ 044-24412209; in the US, please contact Varadhan @ tavaradhan@yahoo.com

varadhan