Over the last several days, Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action (YUVA), a non-profit development organisation, has been reaching out to low-income and vulnerable communities in 20+ settlements across 4 cities in the Greater Mumbai area where we work—Vasai Virar, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Panvel covering more than 1,500 families. It was revealed that they are in dire need of support.

Individuals from disadvantaged communities (Pardhis, transgenders and many others) and homeless people are almost on the brink of starvation. Anganwadis have stopped daily food supplies in many areas; schools are closed and mid-day meals have also stopped. With the lack of daily-wage jobs, many migrant workers have been frantically trying to get on the fastest train to make their way home.

We launched a campaign ‘Together We Can’ to raise funds and in-kind support the to offer emergency relief food supplies to the urban poor, starting with the most marginalised families first. We have already distributed basic provisions to 200 homeless families, comprising 1,000+ individuals

We have followed a sensitive approach in providing families with a week’s worth of rations per package (Rs 600).  This food kit comprises of the following:

Today we are reaching out to nearly 800 more households and we appreciate any help from you.  We are accepting support in cash and kind (foodgrains and non-perishable food only). Together we can help them survive the pandemic.