HIV Homes

Positive Children’s Home –  Nellore.

We established our positive children’s home in Nellore at the end of last year, where there are twelve children at present.  Some have come and gone – due to a number of reasons – and in some sense the numbers remain a little fluid – as mothers or other relatives bring the children to us for a while then feel guilty and return to take them back.  This phenomenon is new to us and we think it has something to do with a sense of guilt on the part of the guardians for leaving their children with us.  They do feel the weight of their responsibility but often just can’t cope.  We are being as flexible as we can and the longer we run the more settled the children become which their relatives are seeing so they in turn are feeling more relaxed about leaving their children with us.

It has to be remembered that there is a great deal of suspicion when it comes to NGO’s in India as so many are corrupt.  Fortunately, we have established a reputation for both delivering and honouring our project’s intentions.  It is all a question of time.   
 

Shelter Home – Chennai.

We support fifty percent of the running costs of this home established by Solomon Raj five years ago.  Solomon does a great job of activating local interest and support and so it is important that we do not interfere with this.  However, he does face high medical bills and the cost of running his home is significantly higher than other homes.

Shelter has been running for nearly five years and has a permanent number of twenty five children.  They have recently been evicted so thanks to some generous support we are building them a permanent home in North Chennai where they can feel secure and sure that no one can push them out of their home again.

In the long – term the home will become a focal point for those with HIV and it is intended that the staff who  live in the home will begin a micro – financing scheme producing cards that will help with their income.